President Trump recently fired the two Democratic members of the Federal Trade Commission, a move that highlights a rejection of the traditional independence of the corporate regulator. Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya, the two Democrats fired, had their roles terminated by the president, a decision they plan to challenge in court. This move is seen as an attempt by the Trump administration to assert power over independent regulators and Federal agencies.
The White House cited that their continued service on the F.T.C. was inconsistent with the administration’s priorities. The firings are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to exert more control over independent agencies within the U.S. government. President Trump wants to ensure that these agencies align with his own priorities and interpretations of the law.
The independent agencies, including the F.T.C., were given an executive order last month requiring them to submit their regulations for White House review. This indicates a shift away from the traditional autonomy these agencies have enjoyed in determining their own direction. The Justice Department’s decision to no longer defend the Supreme Court precedent on firing regulators for cause is also turning this situation into a contentious issue.
The actions taken by the Trump administration are seen as an effort to undermine the bipartisan nature and the independence of the F.T.C. Corporate executives and advisers are closely monitoring these developments, especially with the upcoming trial between the F.T.C. and Meta in April. The ousting of Slaughter and Bedoya has drawn criticism from Democrats who argue that this move will harm consumers and empower fraudsters and monopolists.
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