The Federal Trade Commission has enacted a new rule prohibiting its political appointees from participating in the American Bar Association (ABA), ending all official ties with the organization. FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson said the decision was necessary due to the ABA’s long-standing political activism and financial entanglements with federal programs.
FTC Chairman Ferguson announces new policy regarding American Bar Association: https://t.co/SzBl8Apg7P
— FTC (@FTC) February 14, 2025
The ABA has played a significant role in shaping the legal landscape, but critics argue it has become an extension of the Democratic Party. The organization has been accused of using its influence to push left-wing policies, obstruct conservative judicial nominees, and protect federal programs that benefit its financial interests.
🚨NEW: FTC Chairman prohibits any political appointees from joining the American Bar Assosication (ABA), calls them out for recieving USAID funds.
"ABA received more than $22 million from USAID and nearly $17 million from the State Department in taxpayer-funded grants and… pic.twitter.com/VxVhIuIRet
— Walter Curt (@WCdispatch_) February 15, 2025
One major factor behind the FTC’s decision was the ABA’s recent criticism of the Trump administration’s reforms. The organization condemned the administration’s efforts to restructure USAID and eliminate taxpayer-funded diversity initiatives. Ferguson countered that the ABA had a direct financial interest in these programs, having received over $39 million in government grants last year.
“The ABA’s outburst was nothing short of a political diatribe, accusing the Trump-Vance administration of “wide-scale affronts to the rule of law,” while conveniently ignoring the nation’s crippling $36 trillion debt crisis.”
— gail newman (@gail834) February 16, 2025
Sen. Mike Lee voiced strong support for the move, arguing that the ABA should not be treated as a neutral authority when its actions consistently align with the Democratic Party’s agenda. He also questioned the ABA’s continued influence over law school accreditation and judicial vetting processes.
Great to see FTC Chairman taking a stand against the ABA's leftist agenda
The ABA has lost all credibility with its support for unconstitutional measures like the Equal Rights Amendment
Biden and the left are trying to push their radical ideology through any means possible, but…
— Stop Socialist Tyranny (@endlibtyranny) February 15, 2025
Elon Musk joined the discussion, stating that the ABA has become little more than a partisan activist group. With the FTC taking the first step, other agencies may soon be pressured to follow suit in cutting ties with the ABA.
🚨FTC CUTS TIES WITH THE ABA—“LAWYER’S WING OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY”
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) just cut all ties with the American Bar Association (ABA)—banning officials from joining, speaking at, or sending taxpayer money to the group.@BasedMikeLee praised the more,… https://t.co/02DusMMDes pic.twitter.com/UsgMPzPiLo
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 15, 2025
