Independent agency heads speak out about their resistance against forced dismissals

In a series of unprecedented moves, several commissioners from independent agencies have found themselves at odds with the current administration. The most recent developments involve the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Alvaro Bedoya, a former FTC commissioner, and Charlotte Burrows, a former EEOC commissioner, were both removed from their positions. Bedoya, in a panel discussion, warned that these removals indicate President Donald Trump's intention to curtail the independence of these agencies. He stated that the firings are a message: "If you obey, you stay. And if you don't, you won't."

Bedoya and Burrows, along with Travis LeBlanc and Rebecca Slaughter, have since sued to reverse their removals. LeBlanc, who was also removed from the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, received an email asking for his resignation from an unknown person, addressed to his government email, law firm email, and a Yahoo address with his last name.

The reduction of the independence of the FTC, according to Bedoya, matters "less about politics and more about money." The FTC is currently leading an antitrust lawsuit against Meta, Facebook's parent company. The removal of LeBlanc and other Democratic members of PCLOB was due to their terms not ending until 2028.

Meanwhile, Andrea Lucas, the Acting Chair of the EEOC, has been instrumental in implementing policies under President Trump’s agenda. She has been involved in controversies related to transgender worker protections. Some of the firms targeted by the EEOC's letter have also been targeted by Trump in executive orders. A letter signed by former EEOC officials criticized a letter sent by Lucas that argued diversity, equity, and inclusion practices could lead to unlawful disparate treatment.

Commissioners of the FTC received direct and indirect outreach from elected officials of both parties urging them to drop their lawsuit against Kroger's acquisition of Albertsons. The lawsuit resulted in the grocery stores dropping the merger. Burrows, despite no longer having access to her office or emails, continues to think about how to carry the message of equal justice under the law.

Bedoya is performing parts of his role that he can do, including meeting with workers and issuing statements. LeBlanc made a statement about disorder and meeting disorder with disorder, implying resistance to removal that is overtly illegal. Burrows highlighted a letter signed by former EEOC officials criticizing Lucas over a letter requesting information about diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.

The independence of these agencies and the integrity of their work remains a topic of concern for many. As the legal battles unfold, it is clear that the stakes are high, and the future of these agencies hangs in the balance.

Independent agency heads speak out about their resistance against forced dismissals