Trump selects FTC Commissioner Andrew Ferguson as the agency's head
Recently, Ferguson has adopted a stringent stance regarding technology platforms and the topic of free speech.
TroibNews 
President-elect Donald Trump has announced on Truth Social that he has selected FTC Commissioner Andrew Ferguson to lead the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Ferguson will take over the independent agency from progressive leader Lina Khan and will manage ongoing antitrust lawsuits and investigations targeting the tech industry and other sectors. He will collaborate with Gail Slater, a seasoned conservative attorney recently appointed by Trump to head the Justice Department’s antitrust division. Ferguson has expressed his approval of Slater, calling her a “perfect pick” for her new role.
Additionally, Trump has nominated antitrust lawyer Mark Meador to join the FTC as the third Republican member. Meador previously worked as a staffer for Sen. Mike Lee, the leading Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee's antitrust subcommittee.
While Meador will need Senate confirmation, Ferguson can assume the position of FTC chair immediately following Trump’s inauguration on January 20, since he is already a commissioner. His nomination occurred in July 2023, and he was confirmed by a voice vote in March to serve a term through September 25, 2030.
Ferguson's confirmation faced delays due to a lengthy hold from Sen. Josh Hawley, who expressed concerns about Ferguson’s connections to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and his stance on Big Tech. Previously, Ferguson served as solicitor general of Virginia and held positions as chief counsel for McConnell and Sen. Lindsey Graham.
In March, Hawley lifted his hold, stating he was “pleased to hear [Ferguson] express strong support for robust antitrust enforcement.”
In recent weeks, Ferguson has adopted a strong stance against tech platforms, asserting, “The FTC must protect Americans' freedom of speech online.” He emphasized that if platforms or advertisers engage in collusion to suppress free speech in violation of antitrust laws, the FTC must act decisively against them.
Brendan Carr, Trump’s incoming chair of the Federal Communications Commission, who has committed to dismantling Big Tech's “censorship cartel,” recently highlighted Ferguson’s comments on social media, featuring a bull’s eye emoji. Nathan Leamer, a Carr ally and former FCC official, hinted at shared ideological goals uniting Carr, Slater, and Ferguson.
Initially, Ferguson’s agenda will be constrained due to the absence of a Republican majority on the five-member trade commission. Trump is expected to nominate another Republican commissioner, who will also require Senate confirmation.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
Additionally, Trump has nominated antitrust lawyer Mark Meador to join the FTC as the third Republican member. Meador previously worked as a staffer for Sen. Mike Lee, the leading Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee's antitrust subcommittee.
While Meador will need Senate confirmation, Ferguson can assume the position of FTC chair immediately following Trump’s inauguration on January 20, since he is already a commissioner. His nomination occurred in July 2023, and he was confirmed by a voice vote in March to serve a term through September 25, 2030.
Ferguson's confirmation faced delays due to a lengthy hold from Sen. Josh Hawley, who expressed concerns about Ferguson’s connections to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and his stance on Big Tech. Previously, Ferguson served as solicitor general of Virginia and held positions as chief counsel for McConnell and Sen. Lindsey Graham.
In March, Hawley lifted his hold, stating he was “pleased to hear [Ferguson] express strong support for robust antitrust enforcement.”
In recent weeks, Ferguson has adopted a strong stance against tech platforms, asserting, “The FTC must protect Americans' freedom of speech online.” He emphasized that if platforms or advertisers engage in collusion to suppress free speech in violation of antitrust laws, the FTC must act decisively against them.
Brendan Carr, Trump’s incoming chair of the Federal Communications Commission, who has committed to dismantling Big Tech's “censorship cartel,” recently highlighted Ferguson’s comments on social media, featuring a bull’s eye emoji. Nathan Leamer, a Carr ally and former FCC official, hinted at shared ideological goals uniting Carr, Slater, and Ferguson.
Initially, Ferguson’s agenda will be constrained due to the absence of a Republican majority on the five-member trade commission. Trump is expected to nominate another Republican commissioner, who will also require Senate confirmation.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
