Trump picks new FTC boss: What's next for big tech and online speech?
Trump names **Andrew Ferguson** as future FTC leader‚ bringing fresh view on tech oversight and online speech issues. His appointment could re-shape how government handles big-tech cases and conservative voices online
On Dec 10th Donald Trump picked Andrew Ferguson as next FTC chair - a move that might change how government deals with big-tech companies. Ferguson (former Virginia solicitor-general) brings strong views about online speech to the job
Fergusonʼs main focus is clear: he wants to check if social-media platforms work together to limit conservative views. He thinks that if platforms or advertisers team-up to block certain ideas they should face anti-trust charges; this shows a big shift from current FTC direction
The change comes as Trump also picked Mark Meador (who works at Kressin-Meador firm) to join the FTC. Meador has close ties to Sen Mike Lee who doesnt think FTC should handle anti-trust cases. Theyʼll take over from Lina Khan whose term is done
The new leadership will get lots of un-finished work:
- Amazon marketplace control case
- Metaʼs Instagram purchase review
- Microsoft cloud-service probe
- OpenAI privacy check
- Prime subscription rules case
Ferguson brings solid background - he worked with Sen Mitch McConnell and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. His pick shows big change from Khans tough-on-tech approach‚ which some liked but business groups thought went too far
The Meta case (starting Apr next year) might see different handling - judge already thinks FTC might not win. Meanwhile Trump picked Gail Slater to run DOJ anti-trust unit; showing he wants new people watching over tech companies
