DJT Fires 2 Democratic Commissioners at FTC

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Donald Trump fired two commissioners, both Democrats, from the five member board of the Federal Trade Commission.

As of Humphrey’s Executor v. United States in 1935, courts ruled that the President can fire officials in agencies created by Congress only with a serious reason such as failure to do their duties or malfeasance. Trump offered no such reason. Commissioners Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter promised to sue to reclaim their jobs. They also said they regard themselves as still part of the FTC. It is unclear whether their access to offices and email has been cut off.

FTC regulates consumer protection measures and enforces antitrust legislation. Its board normally has three members of the President’s party and two from the opposing major party. Trump’s firings leave the FTC with only two Republicans on its commission, so it cannot meet quorum and cannot conduct any work.

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