President Trump has made another decisive move to drain the swamp by firing two Democratic commissioners from the Federal Trade Commission. The removal of commissioners Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter paves the way for Trump to reshape the agency with appointees who align with his America First agenda. This bold action continues the President’s commitment to reforming bloated government agencies that have hindered American business growth.
Trump Eliminates Democrat Influence at FTC
The Federal Trade Commission, which is intended to guard against unfair business practices, typically consists of five commissioners representing both major political parties. Bedoya, one of the dismissed commissioners, immediately claimed his firing was illegal and called it “corruption,” vowing to challenge the decision in court.
The move aligns with President Trump’s broader strategy to reduce government overreach and streamline federal agencies that have grown increasingly partisan under previous administrations. Since taking office for his second term, Trump has initiated significant reforms, including establishing the “Department of Government Efficiency” led by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk and implementing layoffs of federal workers who have impeded his America First agenda.
Yesterday, Trump fired two Democratic members of the Federal Trade Commission, setting up a direct challenge to a 1935 Supreme Court ruling that protects the power of independent agencies. https://t.co/hE621JVQyS
— Democracy Docket (@DemocracyDocket) March 19, 2025
New FTC Leadership Promises Fair Market Approach
Newly appointed FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson has stated that ongoing cases against major tech companies including Amazon and Meta would continue, ensuring fair business practices remain a priority. The FTC has been involved in numerous cases against tech giants under both Trump’s first term and during the Biden administration, though the approach to these cases may shift to focus on genuine market abuses rather than politically motivated investigations.
The reconstituted FTC is expected to take a more business-friendly approach while still maintaining appropriate oversight of anti-competitive practices. This balanced strategy reflects Trump’s commitment to fostering American innovation and entrepreneurship while preventing monopolistic practices that harm consumers and small businesses.
Trump just illegally fired the two Democratic members of the Federal Trade Commission – an independent agency that Congress created to protect your rights as consumers. At a time when Americans are struggling with rising food, housing and medical costs, Trump is once again taking…
— Sen. Cory Booker (@SenBooker) March 18, 2025
Critics Claim Overreach While Supporters Celebrate Reform
Bedoya, who was appointed during the Biden administration, immediately objected to his removal, stating: “The FTC is an independent agency founded 111 years ago to fight fraudsters and monopolists.” His reaction highlights the tension between the traditional independence of the agency and the President’s authority to ensure all government departments align with his administration’s policy goals.
🧵FFS – Trump has fired both democrats on the Federal Trade Commission. Trump said their "continued service on the FTC is inconsistent" with his administration’s priorities. In other words, Trump does not want federal
— MarysBoutique 🟧🌊🌎🌊 🇺🇦 (@MarysBoutique) March 19, 2025
“The president just illegally fired me. This is corruption plain and simple.”
Supporters of the President’s action point out that the FTC has increasingly become a tool for advancing progressive policies rather than protecting fair markets. The removal of Democratic commissioners opens the door for Trump to appoint officials who share his vision of reducing regulatory burdens on American businesses while still maintaining appropriate market safeguards.
Trump just fired the independent regulators who stop big corporations from becoming monopolies.
A big giveaway for his billionaire friends, these firings will make things way worse for American consumers and small business owners who rely on fair markets.https://t.co/EOU0jLx4iY
— Oversight Committee Democrats (@OversightDems) March 19, 2025
The restructuring of the FTC is part of Trump’s broader commitment to reform government agencies that have strayed from their core missions. With tech leaders like Elon Musk playing significant roles in the administration’s efficiency efforts, Americans can expect continued action to streamline federal bureaucracy and eliminate obstacles to economic growth.
Sources:
Trump purges Democrats from US Federal Trade Commission – Insider Paper
Trump fires both Democratic commissioners at FTC | Reuters