President-elect Donald Trump announced the appointment of Andrew Ferguson as the next chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on December 11, 2024. Ferguson, currently a commissioner at the FTC, will replace Lina Khan, known for her aggressive antitrust actions against major tech companies.
Trump praised Ferguson's commitment to addressing Big Tech censorship and protecting free speech, stating he will be a pro-innovation leader. The transition in leadership suggests a potential easing of antitrust enforcement, particularly regarding mergers and acquisitions.
Ferguson's appointment comes amid ongoing scrutiny of major corporations like Google and Apple, with Trump also selecting Gail Slater to lead the Justice Department's antitrust division. This shift may impact current investigations and lawsuits against these companies.
Additionally, Trump announced Kimberly Guilfoyle as the ambassador to Greece and Tom Barrack as the ambassador to Turkey. These appointments require Senate approval.