Congressional Republicans press FTC chair over alleged Hatch Act violations

Two prominent Republicans in the House and Senate, including House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, sent a letter on Monday to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Commissioner Lina Khan demanding answers on potential Hatch Act violations she may have committed in office.

The letter, which was co-signed by Utah GOP Sen. Mike Lee, ranking member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary's Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights, highlighted reports that she allegedly violated the Hatch Act when she appeared at campaign events for Democratic candidates, and accused her of ignoring previous ethical advice from the FTC. 

The Hatch Act forbids government employees from engaging in political activity while on duty or in their official capacity as a federal employee. They also cannot solicit political contributions at any time, and cannot try to sway an election.

"Your campaign-style tour raises the perception—at a minimum—that you violated ethical standards to advocate for the election of partisan political candidates," the lawmakers wrote. "Federal law and FTC ethics rules prohibit you from participating in political events, and from using appropriated funds for any political activity." 

The letter raised concerns about the funding Kahn used to pay for her travel to partisan events in Arizona, Illinois, Texas, and Wisconsin, and accusations that she has mismanaged the agency in a manner that prevents it from protecting consumers.

"These campaign-style events create the appearance that you are using your official position to advocate for the election of certain Democrat candidates," the letter reads. "This concern is particularly significant given your history of ignoring agency ethics advice concerning the appearance of partiality along with your subsequent dishonest testimony on the subject."

The lawmakers demanded that Khan provide documents and information related to the allegations, including "documents and communications referring or relating to the funding of travel and accommodations for any public event you have done with a candidate for federal elected office for the period January 1, 2024, to the present."

Khan was given until Nov. 4 to comply with the request. 

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.