In a dramatic and controversial move on March 17, 2025, President Donald Trump fired two Democratic Federal Trade Commission (FTC) commissioners, Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter. Legal experts have widely condemned these firings as illegal, citing a Supreme Court precedent that prevents presidents from removing commissioners of independent agencies without cause. The dismissions have ignited a fierce debate about the independence of regulatory agencies and the growing influence of tech billionaires on government policies.
Alvaro Bedoya, a vocal critic of Amazon’s labor practices, linked his dismissal to his efforts to hold corporations accountable. He specifically highlighted Amazon’s controversial use of vending machines dispensing painkillers to overworked warehouse employees, calling it a symptom of unchecked corporate power. The timing of the firings raised further concerns, as they occurred shortly after the FTC removed guidance critical of Amazon and Microsoft from its website. Bedoya warned that this move benefits tech billionaires like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg, all of whom attended Trump’s inauguration. These executives’ companies—Amazon, X (formerly Twitter), and Meta—are currently under FTC scrutiny or litigation, making the firings appear politically motivated.
Rebecca Kelly Slaughter echoed Bedoya’s concerns, emphasizing the broader implications for other independent agencies. “If I can be fired, I don’t know why Jerome Powell can’t be fired,” she said, referring to the Federal Reserve Chair. Her statement underscored the potential ripple effects of undermining the independence of regulatory bodies, which are designed to operate free from political interference.
The political fallout was swift. Over two dozen Democratic senators, including Amy Klobuchar, Dick Durbin, and Maria Cantwell, urged Trump to reverse the firings, calling them unconstitutional and harmful to consumer protection. Bedoya, however, stressed that the issue transcends party lines. “This issue of the corrupting influence of billionaires in law enforcement is an issue that affects all of us,” he said.
The firings also highlighted the FTC’s recent struggles. The agency initially sought to delay a consumer protection trial against Amazon due to staffing shortages but later reversed the decision. These challenges underscore the importance of maintaining a robust and independent FTC to protect workers and consumers from corporate overreach.
The broader implications of the firings are deeply concerning. Bedoya warned that they set a dangerous precedent, eroding the independence of government agencies and paving the way for further political interference. He called for greater accountability and transparency to address the corrupting influence of billionaires in both law enforcement and politics.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between corporate power and government oversight. As Bedoya aptly put it, “We need to be focused on the billionaires over President Trump’s shoulder at his inauguration.” The fight for accountability and independence is far from over, and the stakes have never been higher.
In a world where billionaires wield unprecedented influence, the actions of individuals like Bedoya and Slaughter remind us of the importance of standing up for justice and fairness. Their firings may have silenced their voices within the FTC, but their message resonates louder than ever: the corrupting influence of billionaires is a threat to us all.
