FTC Chair Ferguson Ends DEI Programs, Orders Compliance Audits

Andrew Ferguson, recently appointed as Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by President Trump, has swiftly moved to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the agency, labeling them as a 'scourge on our institutions.' In his first week, he closed the FTC's DEI office, terminated the Diversity Council, and mandated compliance audits to ensure adherence to Trump's anti-DEI executive orders. Ferguson criticized the previous administration's DEI policies, asserting that they promote discrimination and violate constitutional principles of equality. His actions have sparked backlash from fellow commissioners, particularly Democrat Alvaro Bedoya, who argued that Ferguson should focus on pressing antitrust investigations instead. Ferguson has emphasized his commitment to protecting Americans from monopolistic practices while pursuing these changes. The swift implementation of these directives reflects the administration's broader agenda to eliminate perceived discriminatory practices in the federal government.