House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan has accused Lina Khan, Chairwoman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), of “harassing” Twitter since Elon Musk’s takeover. It has been revealed that the Biden administration has quietly relied on a network of technology and antitrust advocacy groups funded by progressive billionaires, including George Soros, for critical policy and enforcement roles within the FTC. This revelation has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the influence of big donors on government decision-making.
The FTC, which is responsible for protecting consumers, has come under scrutiny in the past for its “revolving door” relationship with regulated industries. Now, it appears that the agency has not only sought expertise from a handful of groups but has also appointed individuals from a network funded by affluent Democrat donors to key government positions. This reliance on outside organizations that receive significant funding from progressive benefactors is a clear illustration of the Biden administration’s approach to policymaking.
One such organization, Governing for Impact, funded by Soros’ Open Society Foundations, has worked behind the scenes with the Biden administration on policy implementation. Internal documents from the organization boast of successfully implementing dozens of regulatory agenda items. The involvement of such groups raises questions about the extent of their influence on government decision-making and the exclusion of voices from outside Washington.
Under Chairwoman Lina Khan’s leadership, the FTC has faced criticism for sidelining career staff and relying on dark money nonprofits. In her resignation letter, the sole Republican on the commission, Christie Wilson, accused Khan of disregarding knowledgeable career staff and imposing a gag order that prevented them from engaging in consumer and business education. This move was seen as a vote of no confidence in the staff and a disservice to the public they serve.
Khan has appointed individuals from organizations backed by deep-pocketed donors to key positions within the commission. Sarah Miller, former leader of the American Economic Liberties Project (AELP), an antitrust advocacy group, was appointed as a “special adviser” by Khan. AELP has received funding from Soros’ Open Society Foundations, Pierre Omidyar’s Omidyar Network, and the Ford Foundation. Miller’s husband, Faiz Shakir, founder of another antitrust advocacy organization called More Perfect Union (MPU), also received significant backing from the same progressive donor networks.
The FTC has also relied on the AI Now Institute, a nonprofit focused on artificial intelligence as an antitrust issue. Several employees from AI Now have been appointed as officials or advisers to the FTC. The institute has received funding from progressive networks, including Soros’ Open Society Foundations and Omidyar’s network.
Critics argue that the Biden administration’s reliance on left-wing groups for policy recommendations raises concerns about the objectivity and independence of government decision-making. They argue that there should be a clearer separation between big donors and government agencies to ensure a fair and balanced approach to policymaking.
The FTC has not commented on these allegations. However, supporters of the Biden administration argue that the appointments made by Chairwoman Khan and the reliance on these organizations are part of a broader effort to serve the public interest and protect consumers and workers. They highlight the need to address the revolving door between big business and government, which they believe has historically favored corporate interests over small businesses and working people.
The involvement of progressive donor networks in shaping government policy is not unique to the FTC. Other organizations, such as the Open Markets Institute, have also received funding from the same networks and have played a role in advising the government on antitrust issues.
Critics argue that transparency and accountability are crucial in ensuring that government decision-making is free from undue influence. They emphasize the need for a more balanced and diverse range of perspectives to be included in the policymaking process to avoid potential biases and conflicts of interest.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the Biden administration will address these concerns and ensure that government agencies are operating in the best interests of the American people.
