Trump Taps Andrew Ferguson to Lead Federal Trade Commission

story

Dec 11, 2024

Above: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) headquarters in Washington, DC, on Sept. 28, 2024. Image copyright: Stefani Reynolds/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Imagesstory last updated Dec 12

The Facts

Republican US Pres.-elect Donald Trump has announced Andrew Ferguson as his choice to lead the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in his incoming presidency. He will replace the current chair Lina Khan, a Democrat.
Ferguson, who joined the FTC as a commissioner in April 2024, previously served as Solicitor General of Virginia and clerked for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

The Spin

Republican narrative

This appointment represents a necessary correction to overreaching regulatory policies. Ferguson is promising to protect the free speech of all Americans against social media censorship, while also creating a more business-friendly environment that encourages innovation and economic growth through a lighter regulatory touch.

Democratic narrative

This selection signals a concerning shift toward politically motivated regulation. Ferguson's track record shows his leadership could result in weaker worker and consumer protections, in addition to weaker antitrust enforcement. The FTC may also force private companies to host harmful content against their will.

Free Press