3 sources·Politics

FTC Members Sue Trump Over Unlawful Firings

Two former FTC commissioners filed a lawsuit against President Trump, claiming their firings violated legal precedent protecting independent agency officials from political dismissals.

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The lawsuit alleges that the message from Trump failed to identify any “inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office” to support the firings, as the FTC Act would require.
Fired FTC commissioners sue Trump administration over ‘indefensible’ terminations
The Guardian·24d
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This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.
Trump’s firing of the commissioners raised immediate concerns that the administration was undermining and weakening independent watchdogs and regulators in Washington.
Fired Democratic FTC commissioners are suing Trump | Business
CNN·24d
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Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.
The government contends the agency leaders’ removal protections are unconstitutional, a position that could prompt the Supreme Court to revisit its 1935 precedent allowing such protections, Humphrey’s Executor v. United States.
Fired FTC commissioners sue Trump
The Hill·24d
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Updated: Mar 27th, 2025, 5:49 PM ET

Summary

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Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya, fired by President Trump from the FTC, have sued the administration, arguing their removals contravene a 1935 Supreme Court ruling against for-cause terminations. Both commissioners assert their dismissals lack legal justification, addressing concerns about undermining the agency's independence. Their lawsuit seeks to restore their positions, highlighting implications for other independent agencies. Trump’s administration maintains the firings were constitutional, asserting the need for accountability. The case raises significant questions about presidential authority over independent regulatory bodies amid ongoing debates on government oversight and legislative integrity.

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Slaughter and Bedoya's lawsuit challenges Trump's authority to fire FTC commissioners without cause, citing a 90-year-old Supreme Court precedent.
The lawsuit emphasizes the need for stability and independence in regulatory agencies like the FTC, warning that such firings could have broader implications for economic stability.
The removals have raised concerns that the administration is undermining independent regulatory bodies to favor powerful corporations.

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