Attorney General Charity Clark has joined a group of 20 attorneys general to support two Federal Trade Commission (FTC) commissioners who are contesting their dismissal by President Trump. They assert that the firing was illegal as it was done without cause.
The FTC has been pivotal in consumer protection for more than a century, recovering billions of dollars for consumers affected by unfair practices. Recent significant antitrust cases, such as opposing the Kroger and Albertsons merger, have highlighted the agency's collaboration with state authorities.
The supporting attorneys general argue that the FTC’s success is largely due to its bipartisan leadership. They state that this fosters informed decision-making and offers expertise crucial for state attorneys general.
The coalition warns that allowing the president to remove commissioners at will could compromise FTC's independence, rendering it susceptible to political influence, and potentially leaving it inactive if all members are dismissed.
Attorney General Clark is joined by attorneys general from 19 other regions, including Arizona and California, in filing a supportive brief.