Judge Rules Trump's Dismissal of FTC Commissioner Violated Law
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A federal judge has ruled that former President Donald Trump's abrupt removal of a Democratic Federal Trade Commission (FTC) commissioner in 2020 was unlawful. The decision, issued by U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras, found that Trump exceeded his authority when he fired Commissioner Rohit Chopra before his term expired. Chopra, now heading the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), was ousted without cause—a move the judge declared a violation of statutory protections ensuring FTC commissioners' independence.
The ruling underscores the FTC's structural autonomy, designed to shield its operations from political interference. Under the FTC Act, commissioners can only be removed for 'inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance.' Judge Contreras emphasized that Chopra’s termination failed to meet this standard, calling it an overreach of presidential power. Legal experts suggest the decision could set a precedent limiting how future administrations handle similar appointments.
Chopra’s dismissal had drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and good-governance advocates, who argued it threatened the integrity of independent agencies. The FTC, tasked with enforcing antitrust and consumer protection laws, relies on bipartisan collaboration. Analysts warn that politicizing such roles risks undermining public trust in regulatory bodies. The Biden administration has since taken steps to reinforce agency independence, though the ruling highlights lingering tensions between the executive branch and federal regulators.
For further context, The Washington Post reported on similar clashes during Trump’s tenure, including attempts to reshape agencies like the Postal Service and EPA through aggressive personnel changes. The FTC case adds to a growing body of judicial pushback against unilateral executive actions.
