On March 18, 2025, President Donald Trump removed the two remaining Democrats serving on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Rebecca Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya.
Commissioners Slaughter and Bedoya, whose terms were not due to expire until September of 2029 and 2026, respectively, declared the firings illegal and vowed to sue to get their jobs back.
By statute, the FTC is headed by five Commissioners, no more than three of whom can represent the political party in power. At present, however, and with the announcement of the firing of Commissioners Slaughter and Bedoya, only two Commissioners remain, Chair Andrew Ferguson and Commissioner Melissa Holyoak, both Republicans. President Trump’s nomination of Mark Meador has been approved by the Senate Commerce Committee but awaits confirmation by the full Senate.
Although the removal of these Commissioners effectively eliminates the current deadlock at the FTC, it is unclear whether the FTC can effectively operate with only two Commissioners. Furthermore, the legality of the firings will surely be questioned, as might any actions made by the remaining Commissioners.
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