Trump fires FTC commissioners amid allegations of illegal actions

In recent events, President Donald Trump dismissed two Democratic commissioners from the Federal Trade Commission, raising concerns over the legality of his actions. Former FTC Chair Lina Khan characterized these removals as 'blatantly illegal', suggesting they reflect a trend prioritizing billionaire donors over regulatory integrity. Khan's leadership had focused on a robust antitrust agenda aimed at tackling corporate monopolies, particularly those linked to Trump's wealthy supporters. The White House, however, defended the firings, asserting Trump's authority to make such decisions. Critics warn that if this trend continues, it could undermine independent regulatory bodies and destabilize federal efforts to regulate major corporations, echoing fears about excessive corporate influence in government. The firings also raise alarms about the potential for further political interference in independent agencies, which could lead to significant changes in how economic policies are executed and enforced moving forward. A Supreme Court challenge looms as some fired commissioners vow to contest their terminations, suggesting a judicial battle could arise over the limits of presidential authority against the backdrop of independent regulatory agencies.