Summary: Former FTC Chair Lina Khan appeared on “The Adam Friedland Show,” where she skillfully balanced humor and serious discussion. She shared insights on monopolies, healthcare, and corruption, emphasizing the need for strong enforcement of laws and a New Deal-level ambition to tackle corporate power. Despite her political savvy, Khan expressed no interest in elected office, focusing instead on meaningful reform.
A Candid Conversation with Lina Khan
Lina Khan, former chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), recently appeared on The Adam Friedland Show, hosted by comedian and self-styled “Joe Rogan of the Left” Adam Friedland. Known for her sharp focus on anti-monopoly and anti-corruption efforts, Khan demonstrated a remarkable ability to stay on message, even when faced with offbeat humor and unexpected questions.
Staying on Message Amid Humor
Early in the interview, Friedland noted Khan’s honesty, highlighting her straightforward response when asked if she was popular in high school: “No, I was a newspaper editor.” Throughout the conversation, Khan maintained a calm and professional demeanor, laughing at jokes but quickly steering the discussion back to her core topics.
Insights on Economic Power and History
Khan offered a thoughtful perspective on the relationship between economic consolidation and political power. She referenced post-World War II studies commissioned by the U.S. government, which found that monopolization in sectors like rubber and steel contributed to the rise of Nazism in Germany. “Concentrated economic power can go hand-in-hand with concentrated political power,” she explained, noting that this insight is gaining renewed relevance today.
When Friedland jokingly asked if Bari Weiss might become a modern-day Joseph Goebbels following the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, Khan laughed but chose not to respond, showcasing her professionalism.
Healthcare: The Industry That ‘Fucks People the Most’
While Khan is often associated with regulating Big Tech, she expressed strong criticism of the healthcare industry. When asked which sector “fucks people the most,” she answered plainly, “Healthcare,” emphasizing that many people in the U.S. have died because they cannot afford their medications.
Khan highlighted a significant achievement during her FTC tenure: addressing high drug prices caused by pharmaceutical companies’ patent tactics. As a result, prices for asthma inhalers dropped dramatically, benefiting thousands of patients.
Enforcing the Law Even-Handedly
Khan contrasted her approach to enforcement with that of the Trump administration. She stressed the importance of applying the law fairly, regardless of political connections, which she acknowledged upset some people. She criticized the previous administration for allowing certain mergers and using legal tools to advance political grievances.
Looking Ahead: Ideas and Ambitions
Friedland proposed unconventional ideas for identifying corruption, such as questioning executives at events like Burning Man, which Khan appreciated as a creative suggestion.
Despite her political acumen, Khan showed no interest in running for elected office, citing her non-U.S. birth as a barrier to the presidency and dismissing Senate ambitions. Instead, she emphasized the need for a “New Deal-style level of ambition” to confront today’s corporate corruption.
Reflecting on public sentiment, Khan observed that many people recognize how corporate lawbreaking negatively affects their lives and that taking on corporate power is popular among the public.