Trump Dismisses Two FTC Commissioners, Prompting Legal and Constitutional Dispute

The fired Democratic commissioners allege their removal violates Supreme Court precedent, challenging the independence of regulatory agencies.

President Donald Trump fired Democratic FTC Commissioners Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, whose terms were set to expire in 2026 and 2029, respectively.
The commissioners argue their dismissals are illegal under the 1935 Supreme Court decision in Humphrey’s Executor v. United States, which limits the president's authority to remove independent agency officials without cause.
The firings leave the FTC with only two Republican commissioners, raising concerns about its ability to function effectively and independently.
The dismissed commissioners plan to challenge their removal in court, asserting their Senate-confirmed terms remain valid.
Critics warn the firings could undermine the FTC's consumer protection and antitrust enforcement, with broader implications for the independence of agencies like the Federal Reserve.