FTC Chair Gains Authority to Remove DEI Policies

By Jody Godoy

(Reuters) – U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Andrew Ferguson has gained significant authority to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies at the agency after Democrats agreed to step back, despite their majority.

Ferguson, who has criticized social media companies for what he views as left-leaning content moderation, requested the commission on Thursday to allow him to remove all references to DEI from FTC documentation. This follows an executive order from former President Donald Trump that prohibited such programs across the federal government.

The initial vote under Ferguson’s leadership heightened tensions between Republicans and Democrats within the five-member agency and highlighted broader disagreements concerning the agency’s autonomy.

Democratic Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya was the only one to oppose the proposal, accusing Ferguson of rushing the vote and of prioritizing DEI issues over pressing matters like the high cost of living.

Ferguson and other conservatives have argued that the President should have the authority to dismiss officials who do not align with his agenda. According to 90-year-old U.S. Supreme Court precedent, FTC commissioners, along with members of many independent bipartisan agencies, can only be removed for cause; this contrasts with executive branch agencies, where the president can dismiss heads at will.

Ferguson stated that Bedoya’s opposition stemmed from his disagreement with Trump’s stance on DEI, asserting, “I do not think an officer of the United States can refuse to comply with the President’s lawful orders on the basis of such an objection.”

Democrat Lina Khan, who was replaced as chair by Trump but remains a commissioner, and fellow Democratic Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter chose not to participate in the vote. Slaughter remarked that she believes Ferguson already possesses the authority needed to comply with Trump’s mandate.

She added, “As Senate-confirmed Commissioners of an independent agency, my colleagues and I swear an oath to uphold the laws and the Constitution of the United States of America, not to serve any individual or ideology.”