Trump fires both Democrats on the Federal Trade Commission

The two Democratic commissioners at the U.S. Federal Trade Commission say they have been illegally fired by President Trump. The White House confirmed the firing but did not provide any additional details, Reuters reported.

"This is corruption plain and simple," former Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya said of his firing from the consumer protection agency in a statement on X.

The other fired commissioner, Rebecca Kelly Slaughter said the firing violates "the plain language of a statute and clear Supreme Court precedent."

In 1935, the Supreme Court upheld a law that says FTC commissioners can be fired only for cause. The ruling has also been a shield for a number of other bipartisan agencies.

The Trump Administration earlier fired the head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Rohit Chopra, and closed the agency for several days. It has slowly begun processing some routine tasks but has not returned to full strength.

The FTC and the CFPB are the two major federal consumer protection agencies, regulating crucial consumer interests. 

The Consumer Federation of America and other consumer groups denounced the action. 

“Trump’s firing of Commissioners Bedoya and Slaughter is a blatantly illegal move that cripples the FTC from fulfilling its mission to shield consumers from predatory practices,” said Susan Weinstock, CEO of Consumer Federation of America. “A partisan, politicized FTC is a major step backwards for our country and pushes us closer to a market that only works for wealthy elites rather than everyday Americans.” 

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) said the action was clearly illegal. 

“Donald Trump just illegally fired two independent commissioners at the FTC who fight big corporations that abuse consumers and workers," Warren said in a statement. 

"Why? Trump’s billionaire donors expect a return on their investment. He works for them, not you. 

"The courts must reinstate the commissioners.” 

"A lap dog"

“The FTC is an independent agency founded 111 years ago to fight fraudsters and monopolists, our staff is unafraid of the Martin Shkrelis and Jeff Bezos of the world. They take them to court and they win," Bedoya said on a social media posting. 

“Now, the President wants the FTC to be a lap dog for his golfing buddies."

Slaughter said the removal of "opposition voices" would give Trump greater leeway to pursue his agenda. 

“The administration clearly fears the accountability that opposition voices would provide if the president orders Chairman [Andrew] Ferguson to treat the most powerful corporations and their executives – like those that flanked the President at his inauguration – with kid gloves,” she said. 

Slaughter was sworn in on May 2, 2018. Before joining the FTC, she served as Chief Counsel to Senator Charles Schumer of New York, the Democratic Leader. She was an associate in the D.C. office of Sidley Austin LLP before entering federal service.