Republicans accuse FTC chief of illegal 'campaign-style' public appearances

Republicans in Congress are threatening a new investigation into progressive firebrand Federal Trade Commissioner Lina Khan, this time for what they allege might be illegal campaigning from public office, Bloomberg reported Monday.

"Republicans including House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio said Khan’s reported appearances with lawmakers including Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut and Senator John Hickenlooper of Colorado potentially violate a ban on partisan political activity by federal government employees," reported Billy House. "Jordan and Senator Mike Lee of Utah, in a letter to Khan on Monday announcing their joint inquiry, said her 'campaign-style tour' raises perception of breaching ethical standards" — although they did not cite any specific violation they believe Khan committed.

The Hatch Act bars most federal employees from engaging in campaign activity under the color of their office. Some Trump administration officials were fined for violating the rule.

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It's unclear whether Khan violated the Hatch Act; she made appearances with a number of Democrats seeking office, but not during campaign events, according to the report. For example, "One event that Khan attended this month with Democrat Representative Ruben Gallego — running in a competitive race for an open US Senate seat — was not promoted as an openly political gathering, but rather a 'Renters Listening Session.'"

Khan, who has become a powerful voice for regulating deceptive corporate practices and breaking up monopolies, has become a particular enemy for Republicans in Congress. Earlier this month, Jordan sent another letter to Khan warning her to stop pursuing civil rights complaints against an Arizona car dealership accused of charging higher interest rates to Latino customers, claiming that this is not within the scope of the FTC's mandate.

Republicans aren't alone; even some business leaders who support Democrats, like billionaire entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban, have reportedly privately lobbied for Khan's removal if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the election.