Introduction J.D. Vance, former U.S. President Donald Trump's vice presidential pick, has expressed strong support for Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan's antitrust approach. This stance suggests that a second Trump administration could potentially back the FTC's broad enforcement strategy.
Vance's Alignment with FTC Chair Lina Khan J.D. Vance, a Republican U.S. Senator from Ohio, was introduced as Trump's running mate at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. His alignment with Khan’s antitrust perspective marks him as a significant figure among "Khanservatives," a group of Republicans supporting a broader interpretation of U.S. antitrust laws.
Broader Understanding of Marketplace Competition At a February event in Washington, Vance praised Khan's recognition of the need for a broader understanding of marketplace competition. This approach highlights a divide within the conservative movement, balancing a desire to reduce regulatory agency power with the need to use antitrust laws against major corporations, especially Big Tech, to address perceived conservative censorship.
Signaling a Shift in Antitrust Enforcement Joseph Coniglio, director of antitrust policy at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, noted that Vance’s selection as vice president signals a potential shift in focus. Despite his think tank’s funding from major tech companies, Coniglio acknowledged Vance's commitment to challenging Big Tech's dominance.
Trump Administration's Previous Antitrust Actions Under Trump, the FTC and the Department of Justice launched investigations into Meta, Amazon, Apple, and Google for alleged antitrust violations. These companies faced lawsuits but denied any wrongdoing. Vance, with his legal and venture capital background, has been vocal about the need to break up monopolistic tech giants like Google, which he criticized for its control over information.
Future Focus of a Potential Second Trump Administration The conservative Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 policy platform outlines strategies for advancing conservative causes through antitrust enforcement while also questioning the FTC's future. Business groups have criticized President Joe Biden's antitrust measures, arguing they exceed traditional competition considerations by focusing on labor and other issues.
Vance's Vision for Antitrust Laws At a Silicon Valley event hosted by Y Combinator, Vance emphasized that antitrust laws should help small firms compete and also benefit workers and consumers. He criticized some conservatives’ belief that corporate behavior cannot be tyrannical, advocating for antitrust actions against both private and public entities that threaten the American way of life.
Conclusion J.D. Vance's support for Lina Khan's antitrust approach and his criticism of Big Tech indicate that a second Trump administration might prioritize challenging corporate monopolies. This stance reflects a broader understanding of competition and aligns with the conservative movement’s evolving views on antitrust enforcement.
