U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Andrew Ferguson has gained significant authority to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies from the agency’s documents after President Trump issued an executive order banning such programs. Ferguson, who previously criticized social media companies for left-leaning content moderation, requested the commission on Thursday to grant him power to strip DEI references from FTC materials.
The first vote under Ferguson’s leadership on Thursday heightened tensions between Republicans and Democrats at the five-member agency, as a larger disagreement over its independence emerged. Democratic Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya voted against the proposal, criticizing Ferguson for acting hastily and focusing on DEI instead of the high cost of living. Conservatives, including Ferguson, have argued that the president has the right to remove officials who do not align with his agenda.
Under long-standing U.S. Supreme Court precedent, FTC commissioners are only removable for cause, unlike other federal agency heads whose positions can be altered by the executive branch at will. Ferguson explained his decision in a statement, stating he acted out of disagreement with Trump over DEI matters and not based on personal ideology.
While Democratic Commissioner Lina Khan declined to participate in the vote, she later stated that she believed Ferguson already had the authority to carry out Trump’s mandate. Rebecca Slaughter, another Democratic commissioner who also did not vote, emphasized her commitment to the agency’s independence during a statement.
This controversy over DEI policies and FTC authority underscores broader debates about how federal agencies should operate and whether they should remain independent from political influence.
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Reporters: Jody Godoy | Thomson Reuters
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/ftc-chair-ferguson-wins-first-vote-over-trumps-dei-purge-2025-01-24