Trump Fires Democratic FTC Commissioners, Sparks Legal Battle

President Trump has fired two Democratic commissioners of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Slaughter, in what critics describe as an illegal move that undermines the agency's independence and consumer protection efforts. Both commissioners plan to sue to regain their positions, arguing that their firings violate a 1935 Supreme Court ruling that restricts presidential dismissals without cause. Their removal has raised concerns among Democrats and antitrust advocates about the potential for increased corporate influence within the FTC, which is tasked with overseeing competition laws. FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson defended the firings, asserting Trump's constitutional authority to act in this manner. Bedoya and Slaughter have framed the firings as a means for Trump to facilitate corporate misconduct and corruption. Critics warn that this action further erodes safeguards against monopolistic practices and consumer exploitation.