Trump Fires Last Democratic FTC Commissioners, Raises Legal Questions

On March 18, President Trump terminated the two remaining Democratic commissioners of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a move that could significantly impact ongoing investigations, including one into pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and their pricing practices. This decision follows his earlier dismissal of FTC Chair Lina Khan and raises questions about the FTC's ability to operate effectively, given that it traditionally requires bipartisan support. The terminations are expected to be challenged in court, as they may lead to legal uncertainties regarding the Commission's actions, especially in light of a pending administrative complaint against PBMs. Additionally, a split federal appeals court ruling allows Trump to remove members of independent agencies without cause, further consolidating his control over regulatory bodies. The implications of these actions could ultimately reach the Supreme Court, as various parties seek to contest the legality of Trump's removals. As these developments unfold, the FTC's capacity to carry out its mission of antitrust enforcement and consumer protection is increasingly at stake.