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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.

Federal Trade Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter testifies on the "Oversight of the Federal Trade Commission" before the U.S. Senate Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance and Data Security Subcommittee in the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, U.S., November 27, 2018. REUTERS/Leah Millis/File Photo
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A man sits in front of a microphone while speaking at a Congressional hearing.

Overview

  • 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.