Summary

Donald Trump fired FTC Commissioners Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, the agency’s only Democrats, prompting accusations of illegal action.

Both cited Supreme Court precedent protecting FTC commissioners from dismissal without cause. Bedoya warned Trump wants the FTC to serve corporate interests, while Slaughter said the administration fears accountability.

The 1935 Supreme Court ruling bars presidents from removing FTC commissioners arbitrarily.

Critics say the move undermines regulatory independence and eliminates opposition voices that could challenge Trump’s policies favoring major corporations.

  • Maggoty@lemmy.world
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    13 days ago

    This makes no sense unless he can’t get his own people on the FTC or the FTC Republicans aren’t amenable to his agenda. It’s a bipartisan agency and the head leaving earlier left a spot open to swing the 5 person board to the Republicans.

    • qarbone@lemmy.world
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      13 days ago

      Why are you still expecting nuance? They’re Democrats and haven’t kissed his ass yet. That means they’re on the chopping block.

      • Maggoty@lemmy.world
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        13 days ago

        Entirely possible with this asshole. And with more coffee on board it strikes me that making the FTC unable to function at all may be the goal.

    • InvertedParallax@lemm.ee
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      13 days ago

      I don’t understand why the Fuhrer voted himself additional emergency powers, he should have as much power as he needs as chancellor of the reichstag?