Trump Names Andrew Ferguson to Head the Federal Trade Commission

Introduction

President Donald Trump has nominated Andrew Ferguson, a former Wall Street Journal editor and conservative commentator, to lead the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC is an independent agency responsible for enforcing antitrust and consumer protection laws. Ferguson’s nomination is likely to face scrutiny from Democrats and consumer advocates, who have expressed concerns about his anti-regulatory views. However, Ferguson’s supporters argue that he is a qualified nominee who will bring fresh perspectives to the agency.

Background

Andrew Ferguson is a lawyer and journalist who has written extensively about law, economics, and politics. He is a former editor at the Washington Times and the Weekly Standard, and he currently serves as a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Ferguson is a strong supporter of free markets and deregulation. He has criticized the FTC in the past, arguing that it has overreached its authority and stifled innovation.

Ferguson’s Nomination

Trump nominated Ferguson to the FTC in December 2017. The nomination has been met with mixed reactions. Business groups have praised Ferguson’s nomination, arguing that he will bring a pro-growth agenda to the agency. However, consumer advocates have expressed concerns about Ferguson’s anti-regulatory views. They argue that he would weaken the FTC’s ability to protect consumers from fraud and abuse.

Perspectives on Ferguson’s Nomination

Proponents of Ferguson’s nomination argue that he is:

• A qualified nominee with a strong understanding of antitrust and consumer protection laws.
• A pro-growth nominee who will support policies that promote economic growth and innovation.
• A fair and impartial nominee who will apply the law without bias.

Opponents of Ferguson’s nomination argue that he is:

• An anti-regulatory nominee who will weaken the FTC’s ability to protect consumers from fraud and abuse.
• A partisan nominee who will use the FTC to advance the Trump administration’s political agenda.
• A biased nominee who will favor businesses over consumers.

Conclusion

The nomination of Andrew Ferguson to the Federal Trade Commission is controversial. Supporters argue that he is a qualified nominee who will bring fresh perspectives to the agency. However, opponents argue that he is anti-regulatory and will weaken the FTC’s ability to protect consumers. It is likely that Ferguson’s nomination will face scrutiny from Democrats and consumer advocates during the confirmation process.

The FTC is an important agency that plays a vital role in protecting consumers and promoting competition. Ferguson’s nomination raises important questions about the future of the agency. It is important for voters to be aware of these issues and to make their voices heard during the confirmation process.