Trump Picks Ferguson to Lead FTC Revolution

President-elect Donald Trump has announced two significant appointments to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), selecting Andrew Ferguson as the new Chair and Mark Meador as a Commissioner, with Ferguson's position taking effect immediately and Meador’s requiring Senate confirmation. Ferguson, with a background as Virginia’s Solicitor General and known for his dissenting opinions since his confirmation in April 2024, is anticipated to pivot the FTC towards a pro-business stance, favoring innovation over consumer protection and reducing the Commission's regulatory and rulemaking activities, especially concerning AI and big tech. This strategic shift is reflected in Trump's announcement via Truth Social, which portrays Ferguson as a pro-innovation leader. Internally, Ferguson is expected to alter the FTC's court practices and impact staff morale, continuing a trend established during Lina Khan's tenure. Meador’s potential confirmation would create a pro-business majority within the FTC. His career background includes working closely with Jonathan Kanter, the current Antitrust Division head under President Biden, and his past legal actions against big tech could introduce nuanced differences between him and Ferguson, particularly regarding antitrust issues. Meador’s experience may lead to heightened scrutiny in the healthcare sector, aligning with his previous professional focus. His support of the 2023 FTC merger guidelines suggests a more institutional approach, possibly clashing with Ferguson’s views. Overall, Trump's selections indicate a substantial shift in FTC policies with implications across various sectors including technology and healthcare.