Both commissioners cite the FTC Act’s statutory safeguard that limits a president’s ability to remove commissioners at will. The law stipulates that such dismissals can only occur in cases of “inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.” Trump’s latest move throws down the gauntlet against those legal protections, setting the stage for a high-stakes court battle.
The Legal Battlefield Ahead
Trump’s challenge to the FTC’s independence follows a broader pattern of executive overreach accusations leveled at his administration. Legal experts suggest this could evolve into a pivotal case testing the boundaries of presidential power over independent agencies.
The White House, remaining tight-lipped, confirmed the dismissals late Tuesday but provided no further comment. An FTC spokesperson also declined to weigh in on the firings, adding to the mystery surrounding the administration’s next steps.
A Brewing Power Struggle
The dismissal of Bedoya and Slaughter is more than just a bureaucratic shake-up—it’s a battle over the fundamental principle of checks and balances. If the courts side with the administration, it could redefine the autonomy of regulatory agencies, effectively giving the president sweeping control over institutions meant to operate independently.
