On with Kara Swisher Fired Up: FTC Commissioners Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Slaughter Say They’ll Fight Trump
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Mar 24, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, former FTC commissioners Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Slaughter share insights on their controversial firings by Trump. Bedoya, a privacy expert, and Slaughter, a seasoned political strategist, highlight the political motivations behind their dismissal, emphasizing the threat it poses to independent agencies like the FTC. They delve into how tech giants might benefit from such changes and stress the importance of preserving the FTC's integrity to ensure fair competition in the market amid rising political tensions.
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Unexpected Dismissal
- Alvaro Bedoya learned about his firing through a call from Rebecca Slaughter while at his daughter's gymnastics class.
- The White House email lacked a specific reason for their dismissal.
Unjustified Firing
- The FTC Act permits commissioner removal only for specific reasons like neglect or malfeasance.
- The White House provided no cause, raising concerns about potential ulterior motives.
Supreme Court Showdown
- The Supreme Court will likely decide the legality of the firings.
- A bipartisan independent agency is crucial, especially now, as presidential power expands.