FTC Chair Khan Warns Against "Sweetheart Deal" for Amazon and Facebook in Antitrust Cases

• Lina Khan, the Federal Trade Commission Chair, expressed hope that the Trump administration would not grant Amazon and Meta, Facebook's parent company, a favorable settlement in ongoing antitrust investigations by her agency.
• On CNBC's "Squawk Box," Khan discussed the rumors of Bezos and Zuckerberg trying to win Trump's favor.

Lina Khan, the Federal Trade Commission Chair, stated on Tuesday that she hopes the incoming Trump administration will not allow Facebook to escape pending antitrust lawsuits by her agency through a "sweetheart deal."

On CNBC's "Squawk Box," Khan stated that he cannot predict the actions of future individuals in his position.

Amazon chairman Jeff Bezos and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg have made efforts to win over President-elect Donald Trump, according to Khan's comments.

The president-elect has received $1 million in donations from those efforts, as well as separate visits from Bezos and Zuckerberg at his Florida home.

CNBC's Andrew Ross Sorkin asked Khan how she views those moves.

Khan stated that the FTC has been highly successful, particularly in its ongoing lawsuits against Amazon and Facebook.

It's only natural for companies to seek sweetheart deals, as Khan, a Biden appointee, stated.

"Can they obtain a low-cost settlement that settles for a fraction of the value and allows them to avoid a liability finding in court?" she asked.

Khan stated that he hoped it wouldn't occur under the next administration when asked if he saw it happening.

"But again, I can't predict that," she added.

"We will face trial against Facebook in spring and Amazon in fall of 2026. I hope future enforcers won't grant them a favorable deal."

Trump appointed Andrew Ferguson as the new head of the FTC, replacing Khan, who had been known for his aggressive enforcement of anticompetitive practices.