Controversial Biden Official Chosen By Socialist Mamdani To Head Transition Team

New York Mayor-elect Announces Transition Team

On Tuesday evening, after winning the New York mayoral election, Democrat Zoran Mamdani revealed that Lina Khan, the former chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), will join his transition team as one of four co-chairs.

Khan led the FTC during the Biden administration and has faced criticism from conservatives for allegedly turning the agency into a tool against capitalism. However, Mamdani’s official site endorses her as “the nation’s leading antitrust advocate.”

Notably, Khan will be part of a transition team comprised entirely of women. Mamdani, a self-identified democratic socialist, has previously called for increased corporate taxes and addressed issues related to wealth and demographics in affluent neighborhoods.

“Last night, we saw New Yorkers elect not just a new mayor but also push back against a political landscape often swayed by corporate power and money,” Khan commented on Wednesday.

Both Mamdani and Khan achieved notable positions at a young age; Mamdani is 34, while Khan was confirmed as FTC chair at 32. Under her leadership, the FTC expanded its authority and focused on new rule-making, though some have raised concerns about her methods.

Christine Wilson, a former Republican FTC Commissioner, resigned in 2023, stating she could not support Khan’s approach, which she labeled as an “abuse of government power.” Wilson expressed doubts about Khan’s transparency with internal communications, particularly regarding merger reviews.

Khan’s administration has taken an aggressive stance against major tech companies like Meta and Amazon. Critics, including conservatives and industry leaders, argue that her policies have contributed to uncertainties within the private sector.

An October 2024 report from the House Judiciary claimed that Khan had politicized the FTC, particularly regarding actions against Elon Musk’s X platform, suggesting it was a retaliation for Musk shedding light on administration practices.

Khan will co-chair alongside Grace Bonilla, president of United Way of New York City, along with former deputy mayor Maria Torres Springer, and Melanie Hartzog, president of New York Foundling.