Trump Administration Ousts Two Democratic FTC Members

In a move that underscores the Trump administration’s ongoing push to assert its power over federal agencies, ousts two Democratic members of the U.S. The White House ousted FTC Commissioners Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter on Tuesday. They received dismissal notifications.

Bedoya and Slaughter React to Dismissals

Both commissioners reacted strongly to their removal. Bedoya, nominated by President Joe Biden, called his ousting “unlawful” and accused the administration of corruption. “The president just unlawfully removed me from office,” he posted on social media. Meanwhile, Slaughter described the dismissal as a direct attack on her due to her outspoken nature, saying, “Today, the President illegally dismissed me… because I speak out.”

FTC’s Role and Impact on Federal Oversight

The FTC, a five-member agency, enforces crucial consumer protection laws, including those safeguarding financial privacy and children’s online safety. The dismissal of Bedoya and Slaughter reflects a broader strategy by the Trump administration to expand its control over independent agencies.

Trump’s Broader Strategy of Agency Control

This action follows other moves by Trump’s administration to challenge longstanding legal precedents protecting independent agencies. In addition to removing FTC members, he has dismissed Democrats from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), among others. These actions highlight Trump’s efforts to reshape the landscape of federal governance.

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Former NLRB Member’s Legal Challenge

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FTC Now Controlled by Republican Commissioners

Following the dismissals, the FTC now has Republican-majority leadership. Chair Andrew Ferguson and Commissioner Melissa Holyoak, both Republicans, remain. Trump nominated Mark Meador to fill the vacancy left by Biden’s appointee, Lina Khan. The Senate is reviewing the nomination, but it has not yet been finalized.

Bedoya and Slaughter’s Terms and Future

Bedoya’s term, set to end in September 2026, and Slaughter’s, extended until September 2029, were shortened. Their removal highlights the ongoing shift in federal agency power under the Trump administration. These changes reflect the administration’s influence on key positions. The reshaping of leadership alters the agency’s direction moving forward.