President Donald Trump's removal of two Democratic Federal Trade Commission (FTC) commissioners has sparked criticism from lawmakers and consumer rights advocates.
FTC Commissioners' Reaction
Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, the two dismissed commissioners, have called their firing illegal and plan to sue the administration. Bedoya described the president's actions as an attempt to subordinate the FTC to personal interests, while Slaughter claimed that her dismissal violates statutory law and Supreme Court precedent. She warned that this move could weaken the FTC in its mission to protect consumers and hold corporations accountable.
Trump Administration's Standpoint
The Trump administration claims that the president has 'unrestricted' powers to dismiss FTC commissioners. FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson supported this decision, emphasizing the need for democratic accountability. However, the move has been met with criticism among Democratic lawmakers and legal experts, questioning the administration's motives and strategy.
Consequences and Possible Lawsuits
With the dismissal of the two commissioners, the FTC faces challenges in managing ongoing cases due to the lack of a quorum. Democratic leaders have expressed a willingness to reconsider their stance on the nomination of a third Republican commissioner. Ongoing investigations against major pharmaceutical companies for price hikes on insulin, which both remaining commissioners have recused themselves from, could be disrupted, leading to potential new litigations.
The Trump administration faces opposition both domestically and internationally. The dismissal of two Democratic FTC commissioners creates uncertainty about the future of antitrust cases and consumer protection efforts.
