Meet Andrew Ferguson, the new chairman of the FTC who has vowed to go after Big Tech's 'vendetta against competition'

Andrew Ferguson has vowed to pare back the FTC's recent antitrust agenda while targeting "Big Tech's vendetta against competition and free speech."

Courtesy of the United States Federal Trade Commission

• Donald Trump tapped Andrew Ferguson to replace...

  Andrew Ferguson: Leading the FTC Under the Trump Administration

  Ferguson's Priorities as FTC Chair

  As the newly appointed Chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Andrew Ferguson has vowed to prioritize traditional antitrust enforcement and scale back expansive consumer harm arguments under former Chair Lina Khan. Ferguson's focus will primarily revolve around preventing anticompetitive practices and implementing policy changes to address antitrust concerns.

  FTC Developments Under Ferguson

  Under Ferguson's leadership, the FTC has taken significant actions, including blocking a major acquisition, proposing large fines against a payment processing company, and filing suit against prescription drug managers for anticompetitive practices. Additionally, Ferguson will oversee the FTC's ongoing monopoly cases against major tech companies like Google, Apple, Amazon, and Meta.

  Close Alignment with the Trump Administration

  Since his appointment, Ferguson has actively aligned with the Trump administration's priorities. He has supported the nomination of a new commissioner and emphasized his willingness to implement the administration's agenda. Notably, Ferguson has also eliminated diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the FTC, drawing criticism from Democratic appointees.

  Ferguson's Background and Career

  Ferguson holds degrees from the prestigious University of Virginia School of Law. Prior to his FTC appointment, he served as a clerk for Judge Karen L. Henderson and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Ferguson also practiced antitrust law and held prominent government roles, including Chief Counsel to Senator Mitch McConnell and Virginia Solicitor General.

  Conclusion

  Andrew Ferguson's chairmanship of the FTC is expected to bring a renewed focus on traditional antitrust enforcement and a close alignment with the Trump administration's priorities. His background and experience in both law and government suggest that he will be an active and influential leader. Ferguson's determination to address concerns about platform censorship may lead to novel antitrust cases.