Trump Secures Full Republican Control of FTC Following Controversial Firings

The confirmation of Mark Meador solidifies a 3-0 Republican majority, while fired Democratic commissioners challenge the legality of their removal in court.

• President Trump fired Democratic FTC commissioners Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya in March 2025, citing an executive order aimed at increasing presidential oversight of regulatory agencies.
• The firings have been widely criticized as unlawful, violating federal law and a 1935 Supreme Court precedent requiring 'good cause' for the removal of FTC commissioners.
• Mark Meador's Senate confirmation on April 10, 2025, established a 3-0 Republican majority on the FTC, granting Trump significant influence over the agency's direction.
• Slaughter and Bedoya have filed a lawsuit in federal court, arguing that their dismissals were unconstitutional and seeking reinstatement to their positions.
• Consumer advocacy groups and Senate Democrats have condemned the move, warning it undermines the FTC's independence and its role in protecting consumers and maintaining fair competition.

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