A series of campaign-style appearances by a key Biden-Harris administration official raises ethical concerns among Republican lawmakers.
According to Fox News, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan and Senator Mike Lee have launched accusations against Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan for potential violations of the Hatch Act.
The Republicans claim Khan's recent public appearances with Democratic politicians ahead of the November elections could constitute prohibited partisan political activity. The investigation stems from Khan's multiple appearances across several states, including Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Arizona, where she participated in events alongside Democratic candidates and officials.
Khan's recent tour included a worker freedom discussion with Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar in Texas, showcasing her engagement with progressive Democratic leaders. The FTC chair also conducted a "fireside chat" with Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi in Illinois, addressing issues such as grocery prices and healthcare.
In a notable development, Khan made an appearance in the battleground state of Wisconsin, where she addressed residents about a county-owned nursing home sale. Jordan and Lee expressed particular interest in her presence in swing states during this crucial pre-election period.
The FTC chair's visit to Phoenix, Arizona, where she joined Representative Ruben Gallego to discuss rising rent prices, has also come under scrutiny. Gallego's involvement is particularly noteworthy given his position in one of the nation's most competitive Senate races.
In their letter sent Monday, Jordan and Lee highlighted their concerns about Khan's activities. The lawmakers pointed to media descriptions of her tour as a "campaign gauntlet" with questionable timing relative to the upcoming election. The Republican leaders wrote to Khan, expressing their concerns. According to their letter:
According to recent reports, you appeared at a series of events in Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin and Arizona with several candidates for elected office. Media accounts described your tour as a 'campaign gauntlet' with the timing of your events 'so near the election… hard to ignore.'
The investigation has taken on additional significance given Khan's previous interactions with agency ethics guidelines. The lawmakers specifically referenced concerns about her past handling of ethics advice and subsequent testimony.
The Republicans' inquiry extends beyond the immediate concerns about potential Hatch Act violations. They have requested detailed documentation of Khan's travel arrangements, including communications about event scheduling and funding sources for travel and accommodations.
Their investigation also seeks information about any guidance Khan received from the FTC's Designates Agency Ethics Official regarding public appearances with candidates. The comprehensive nature of their request reflects the seriousness of their concerns. The FTC has maintained silence on the matter, declining to provide any comment when contacted for a response to these allegations.
The situation has created complex dynamics within the Democratic Party, particularly affecting Vice President Kamala Harris's coalition. While Khan maintains strong support among progressive Democrats for her aggressive stance against Big Tech and other industries, some of Harris's wealthy donors have advocated for her removal.
When addressing business practices, Khan has demonstrated particular vigilance, especially in tech, healthcare, and grocery sectors. During her Wisconsin visit, she emphasized her concerns about healthcare industry consolidation, stating:
We've been watching with some alarm as more and more mergers and consolidation mean that fewer and fewer players are coming to control important parts of the health care system.
The investigation into FTC Chair Lina Khan's activities highlights the complex intersection of administrative duties and political engagement in federal agencies. Republican leaders have raised serious concerns about potential Hatch Act violations through Khan's appearances with Democratic politicians in key electoral states. The timing of these events, particularly in proximity to the November elections, has drawn significant scrutiny from oversight committees. The situation continues to evolve as lawmakers demand documentation and transparency regarding Khan's official travel and engagements.
