Big Tech is trying to disarm the FTC by going after its biggest weapon: Lina Khan

Amazon and Facebook have filed petitions seeking Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan’s recusal in antitrust cases involving their companies.

Khan’s confirmation to the FTC and appointment to lead the agency presents one of the clearest threats of major regulatory action in the tech sector in years. By seeking to recuse Khan, the companies are going after one of the biggest antitrust weapons the FTC has and, whether Khan is recused or not, the decision could muck up the antitrust charges against either company.

Experts told CNBC that it makes sense for Facebook and Amazon to try to get Khan removed from the suits. And by doing so, the companies may be able to cast doubt on Khan, even if she doesn’t recuse.