Ferguson

In a significant reshuffle of federal appointments, President-elect Donald Trump has announced Andrew Ferguson as the next chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), replacing Lina Khan. Khan had made headlines with her aggressive antitrust actions against corporate giants, including Amazon and Meta, garnering both praise and criticism from various sectors. With Ferguson, who is seen as a staunch advocate against Big Tech censorship, the FTC is expected to adopt a more lenient approach towards businesses. This shift may revive previously blocked deals, such as the $24.6 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons, which was opposed by the FTC under the Biden administration due to antitrust concerns. Additionally, Trump has named Mark Meador, a seasoned antitrust lawyer, as an FTC commissioner, suggesting further strategic changes in antitrust enforcement. The reshuffle is part of a broader set of appointments announced by Trump, including roles in international diplomacy and budget management. While some analysts foresee a more business-friendly FTC, others caution that concerns over issues like high grocery prices might limit regulatory relaxation. The extent to which this new direction will impact antitrust oversight and M&A activities remains to be seen.