Former FTC Chair Lina Khan Explores Expanding NYC Mayor-Elect Mamdani's Executive Powers Through Underutilized Laws

Lina Khan is advising the mayor-elect on economic policy

Former Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan has revealed she's investigating ways to maximize New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's executive authority through existing but underutilized laws.

In a conversation with Pod Save America host Tommy Vietor, Khan, recently appointed as co-chair of Mamdani's transition team, explained she's thoroughly examining the extent of mayoral powers before Mamdani takes office on January 1.

Khan's advisory role focuses on economic policy and personnel matters, with a particular emphasis on ensuring the new administration can deliver on its "extraordinarily ambitious agenda" to make New York City more affordable for residents.

"Drawing from my FTC experience, I'm particularly focused on identifying all laws and authorities that the mayor can unilaterally implement," Khan stated in the interview, recorded last week and scheduled for full broadcast on November 23.

Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, campaigned promising free citywide bus service, universal childcare for children aged 6 months to 5 years, and rent freezes for over one million rent-stabilized units. These initiatives require approximately $10 billion in new revenue, which Mamdani plans to generate primarily by increasing taxes on millionaires and corporations.

Implementation challenges loom large, however. Tax policy decisions rest with Albany, and Governor Kathy Hochul has explicitly stated she won't raise taxes. The governor has also questioned the feasibility of free buses, as fare revenues partially service the Metropolitan Transit Authority's $17 billion in farebox bonds.

"While much of his agenda will require collaboration with other institutional stakeholders, including the governor and legislature, he should retain significant unilateral authority. We want to ensure he fully understands the scope of these powers," said 36-year-old Khan, according to the interview transcript.

A source familiar with the matter indicated Khan plans to examine recently enacted and proposed legislation affecting algorithmic price discrimination, surveillance pricing, and junk fees.

Khan's comments prompted criticism from hedge fund manager Daniel Loeb, who opposed Mamdani's candidacy and financially supported Mayor Eric Adams' re-election campaign before backing Andrew Cuomo against Mamdani.

"I would hire this person if I were dead set on crafting Soviet style centralized control regime, instituting repressive policies and destroying the economy," Loeb posted Wednesday on X, referring to Khan. "But we should give @ZohranKMamdani a chance."

Khan made history as the youngest-ever FTC chair, assuming leadership of the antitrust and consumer protection agency at age 32 under President Joe Biden. She became a controversial figure among critics of the administration's regulatory approach, particularly after the FTC lost major merger challenges against Meta Platforms Inc. and Microsoft Corp. during her first year.

In her final weeks at the FTC, Khan revived the long-dormant Robinson-Patman Act by filing a lawsuit against alcohol distributor Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits alleging price discrimination—the agency's first action under this law in 25 years. This move aligned with her broader initiative to expand antitrust scrutiny of large businesses.

"At the FTC, I was genuinely surprised by the volume of dormant, unused, and underutilized authorities already on the books," Khan noted in the interview. "I want to ensure that if the city has robust laws the mayor can enforce, we comprehensively understand the full scope of that authority."

When questioned about whether her City Hall objectives include finding new approaches to regulate technology companies, Khan pointed out that the city's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection performs regulatory functions similar to the FTC's federal role, applicable across various industries including technology, healthcare, and food.

"They possess a comprehensive set of laws designed to prevent companies from abusing their power, and I look forward to seeing those authorities deployed effectively," Khan stated.