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LinkedIn Co-Founder Urges Vice President Harris to Replace FTC Head if Elected

By  |  July 28, 2024

LinkedIn co-founder and billionaire Democratic donor Reid Hoffman is urging Vice President Kamala Harris to replace Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan if she wins the presidential election in November. Hoffman, a prominent supporter of the Biden-Harris administration, made his views clear in a recent interview with CNN.

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    Hoffman expressed concerns that Khan, who has spearheaded the Biden administration’s aggressive antitrust initiatives, is operating “outside the scope” of her role. He argued that her approach is detrimental to the nation, stating, “She is a person who is not helping America. Antitrust is fine. … Waging war is not.” Hoffman’s remarks were first reported by The Hill.

    The call for a change in leadership at the FTC comes amid Hoffman’s strong endorsement of Harris’s presidential candidacy. Following President Biden’s announcement that he would not seek re-election and his subsequent endorsement of Harris, Hoffman quickly voiced his support for the Vice President’s bid. “Kamala Harris is the right person at the right time,” Hoffman posted on social platform X. “I wholeheartedly support Kamala Harris and her candidacy for President of the United States in our fight for democracy in November.”

    Hoffman has consistently backed both Biden and Harris, standing firm against the growing influence of former President Donald Trump in Silicon Valley, a region traditionally known for its Democratic leanings. However, Khan’s leadership at the FTC has not been well-received in the tech hub. Major technology companies, frequently under FTC scrutiny, have expressed significant discontent with her policies.

    Hoffman is not the only influential figure advocating for Khan’s replacement. Barry Diller, Chair of IAC and a fellow Democratic donor, also announced on Friday that he would lobby Vice President Harris to appoint a new FTC chair. Diller’s call aligns with a broader sentiment among Silicon Valley leaders who believe that Khan’s stringent antitrust measures are stifling innovation and growth in the tech sector.

    Source: The Hill