SCOTUS Greenlights Trump Administration’s Attempt to Exert Influence Over the Federal Trade Commission, but Protects Fed Independence 

Washington, D.C. — The Supreme Court just sided with the Trump administration’s attempt to exert control over the Federal Trade Commission — a body that has historically and purposefully remained independent so that it can effectively serve the public – while rejecting the Trump administration’s attempt to do the same to the Federal Reserve. Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, Acting Vice President of Policy & Government Affairs at the Project On Government Oversight (POGO), issued the following statement:

“Since taking office, the Trump administration has tried repeatedly to expand its power. By allowing Trump to fire Federal Trade Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter for any reason, the Supreme Court is undermining the Federal Trade Commission’s independence, which for decades has been shielded from politicization. With this ruling, the court has set a dangerous precedent that could have ramifications far beyond the Federal Trade Commission, including with the inspector general system.

“At the same time, we are relieved the Court did not make the same mistake when it comes to the Federal Reserve. But that doesn’t change the fact that the Court has opened the door for the president to have free rein over independent agencies specifically set up by Congress to be free from political interference.

“Checks and balances exist for a reason. They ensure the government is run in the best interest of the people, not any one politician. Congress must now act to preserve the independence of the Federal Trade Commission and agencies like it.”