Washington, D.C. — Former President Donald Trump has selected Andrew Ferguson to helm the Federal Trade Commission. Ferguson, a leading conservative legal strategist and former attorney general of a critical battleground state, is, according to experts, one of a new wave of like-minded appointments by the former administration in its push to radically transform federal agencies.
The FTC is an independent agency responsible for consumer protection and competition promotion, making it a target for Republicans who are pushing for an environment that is more business-friendly. Ferguson, an ardent free-marketeer, fits the profile to a T, having spent his career opposing what he believes to be overreaching by government agencies and regulatory bodies.
Andrew Ferguson understands the necessity of reining in excessive government intervention and putting American business and consumer interests first,” Trump said in a statement announcing the nomination. “His leadership at the FTC will be instrumental in making sure that the commission does not stifle innovation but instead promotes a fair and competitive marketplace.
Ferguson is part of the Trump campaign’s strategic move to reshape the federal regulatory landscape in accordance with conservative values. He comes in a trend of choosing people who share the value of reducing the government’s intervention in businesses, especially in the high-tech industry, finance, and health. Given the increased role of the FTC in controlling the major players in technology and auditing corporate mergers, Ferguson’s philosophy about curbing regulation fits within the larger deregulatory agenda of the Trump administration.
Ferguson’s pre- Heritage experience involved substantial involvement in law related issues as part of a law partner that he was in a conservative policy organization where he was engaged in spearheading the campaign against other regulatory policies concerning consumer and anti-trust laws among others. In various capacities including his tenure as the attorney general, he was against what he deemed as unfriendly federal policies that he wanted to see scrapped to provide business friendly environment.
Though, Ferguson’s nomination has been the subject of some controversy. Some of his critics have warned that his approach to deregulation will remove crucial consumer safeguards especially in the contemporary world where corporate power is deep seated. The consumer advocacy groups have expressed their fears that if Ferguson leads the FTC then this is a signal that the latter will water down its monitoring of monopolistic activities as well as consumers’ protection laws.
Some question his passion for antitrust enforcement, especially as amazon, google and facebook face more probes and investigations over their monopolistic control of industries. Some critics believe that as a conservative, Ferguson may act to protect corporates than consumers against anti-competition activities.
Nonetheless, Ferguson is likely to be appraised by Republican members of support since they believe that he would serve as a receptive candidate in their moves to neutralize what they consider as regulatory overreach. His confirmation would be another right turn in the direction of the FTC, a move that could recalibrate the agency for years ahead.
