Trump Fires Two Democratic FTC Commissioners, Creating Republican Majority

The move raises legal questions about agency independence and concerns over potential impacts on regulatory decisions.

Donald Trump removed Democratic FTC commissioners Rebecca Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya, shifting the commission to a Republican majority.
The firings have sparked accusations of illegality, with the dismissed commissioners citing violations of federal statute and Supreme Court precedent.
The Republican majority could pave the way for the approval of major corporate mergers previously stalled by the commission’s bipartisan split.
The FTC, traditionally structured to ensure bipartisan representation, now faces legal challenges over its independence and accountability.
Concerns have emerged over whether similar actions could occur at the FCC, where one Democratic commissioner plans to step down this spring.