Fired Up: FTC Commissioners Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Slaughter Say They’ll Fight Trump
Mar 24, 2025
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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.
The firings of FTC commissioners Bedoya and Slaughter highlight significant legal and constitutional concerns about the independence of regulatory agencies.
The potential for political interference in the FTC raises fears over the integrity of antitrust enforcement and broader consumer protection efforts.
Both commissioners argue that the unitary executive theory undermines the essential independence needed to prevent political corruption in agency operations.
Deep dives
Illegal Firings of FTC Commissioners
The firings of Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Slaughter from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) raised significant legal and constitutional concerns regarding the independence of such agencies. Both commissioners were dismissed without cause, which contravenes the FTC Act that stipulates they can only be removed for specified reasons. Their termination has been linked to their ongoing efforts to hold large tech companies accountable, particularly relating to worker safety issues at Amazon. The unprecedented nature of these firings has sparked fears of an alarming executive overreach into independent regulatory agencies, reminiscent of historical attempts, such as FDR's unsuccessful bid to dismiss a commissioner.
The Role and Structure of the FTC
The FTC operates with five commissioners, no more than three of whom can belong to the same political party, ensuring bipartisan oversight. Currently, the agency has a Republican majority following the resignation of former Democratic chair Lina Khan. The recent changes in the commission's structure raise concerns about the potential for politicization within the FTC, particularly as political affiliations can influence regulatory decisions. Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Slaughter emphasized the importance of their roles in providing oversight and dissenting opinions that enhance transparency and accountability, which could be undermined by recent political dynamics.
Unitary Executive Theory and Presidential Power
The discussion of the unitary executive theory reveals a contentious viewpoint regarding the extent of presidential control over independent agencies. This theory suggests that the president should have ultimate oversight of all executive functions, including the hiring and firing of agency heads. However, both commissioners argue that such a viewpoint threatens the operational independence necessary to prevent political corruption and ensure fair regulation. Historical precedence indicates that attempts to exert unchecked presidential influence over independent agencies have been consistently challenged in court, underscoring the delicate balance required for a functional democracy.
Implications of Potential Supreme Court Rulings
If the case regarding the illegal firings reaches the Supreme Court, its ruling could set a dangerous precedent affecting the independence of not just the FTC, but all similar regulatory bodies. A ruling permitting broad presidential powers could destabilize democratic checks and balances historically designed to protect these agencies from political whims. This potential shift poses risks to consumer protections and ensures that agency decisions are made free from political interference. Both commissioners are advocating for the essential nature of independent oversight to combat corruption, asserting that government accountability is paramount for the public's interest.
The Future of FTC Oversight on Big Tech
The FTC's ongoing investigations and lawsuits against major tech companies indicate a robust yet increasingly pressured approach to regulation. The risk of losing independent authority could enable undue influence from wealthy donors who might sidestep regulatory scrutiny for their interests. Concerns were expressed over the chilling effect that political interference might have on the FTC's ability to enforce antitrust laws, as well as consumer protection regulations. The commissioners stressed that maintaining the integrity and independence of the FTC is critical not only for current investigations but also for the future economic landscape of the United States.
President Trump fired Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Slaughter, the two Democratic commissioners at the Federal Trade Commission, last week, sending shock waves through political and business circles. The FTC is an independent, bipartisan agency and, as a defender of antitrust and consumer protection laws, one of the most important government watchdogs. FTC commissioners serve seven year terms and, according to a 1935 SCOTUS ruling, can only be fired for cause. But even though, based on that decision, Bedoya’s and Slaughter’s terminations are illegal, FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson has come out in support of Trump’s firing power. The White House says it’s ready to take the case to the Supreme Court.
Kara talks to Bedoya and Slaughter about why this happened now, what Elon Musk and other tech billionaires stand to gain by getting rid of “minority commissioners,” and why business leaders are concerned that Trump’s move could affect other independent agencies, like the Federal Reserve.
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