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ARTICLE · 24 MARCH 2025

Trump Dismisses Democratic FTC Commissioners

Davis+Gilbert LLP
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On Tuesday March 18, President Donald Trump fired the two Democratic members of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya...

United StatesConsumer Protection
Ronald R. Urbach
Ronald R. Urbach
Alexa Meera Singh
Alexa Meera Singh
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The Bottom Line

  • The Trump Administration's firing of the democratic FTC Commissioners is a major test of executive power.
  • Businesses should prepare for an evolving regulatory environment as the legality of these firings is tested in court.

On Tuesday March 18, President Donald Trump fired the two Democratic members of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya, noting that their "continued service on the F.T.C. is inconsistent with [the Trump] administration's priorities."

The FTC is made up of five commissioners, with no more than three being members of the same political party. Typically, three commissioners come from the President's party, and two from the opposing party. This norm, however, can now be added to the long list of norms challenged under the current administration.

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