

Biden’s Antitrust Advisor Left the White House. Here’s His Exit Interview
Jan 23, 2023
Tim Wu, former Special Assistant to the President for Technology and Competition Policy, shares insights from his time in the West Wing. He discusses the significant influence of Lina Khan on antitrust efforts and why President Biden struggles to advance tech regulation despite his campaign promises. Wu predicts potential lawsuits against major tech giants like Google and Amazon. The conversation also delves into the political landscape, reflecting on recent exits like Jacinda Ardern and the complexities of regulating social media platforms.
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Policy Shift
- Tim Wu aimed to shift the 40-year trajectory of antitrust and competition policy.
- He wanted to institutionalize this shift and bring it closer to the presidency.
Missed Legislative Opportunities
- Tim Wu regrets the failure to pass privacy and child protection legislation.
- He saw it as a missed opportunity with bipartisan support.
Biden's Focus
- President Biden prioritizes policy's impact on average citizens, like those in Scranton.
- Wu learned to frame policy proposals in terms of their real-world effects.