Trump Fires FTC Commissioners Amid Billionaire Influence Concerns

President Donald Trump's recent firings of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) commissioners Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Slaughter have sparked outrage among antitrust advocates, who argue the actions are illegal and undermine the agency's independence. Both commissioners have indicated plans to sue, citing a 1935 Supreme Court ruling that prevents presidential removal without cause. They contend that their removal will enable Trump to ease regulatory pressure on large tech firms that support him, potentially compromising the FTC's mission to enforce antitrust laws. Bedoya has raised concerns about billionaire influences on Trump's decisions, suggesting that their firings coincide with their critical stance on corporate practices, particularly against Amazon. The White House maintains that Trump has the authority to manage personnel within the executive branch. The situation raises questions about the future of the FTC's bipartisan approach to regulating corporate behavior amidst shifting political dynamics.