FTC Cuts Ties With ABA, Citing Partisan Influence And Conflicts Of Interest

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has formally severed all connections with the American Bar Association (ABA), prohibiting political appointees from participating in its activities or holding leadership roles within the organization. FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson announced the policy shift, describing the ABA as a partisan entity aligned with the Democratic Party.

Under the directive, FTC appointees can no longer attend ABA events, renew memberships using government resources, or engage with the organization in any official capacity. Ferguson’s decision follows a recent ABA statement accusing the Trump administration of undermining the rule of law. The ABA also criticized the administration’s reforms, including the dismantling of USAID and the elimination of taxpayer-funded diversity programs.

Ferguson pushed back, arguing that the ABA’s criticism was politically motivated and omitted its own financial interests. He highlighted the association’s ties to USAID, pointing out that it received over $39 million in government contracts last year alone. The FTC chairman suggested that the ABA’s opposition to Trump’s reforms stemmed from its dependence on taxpayer funding rather than a genuine concern for the law.

Sen. Mike Lee praised Ferguson’s decision, calling it long overdue. He argued that the ABA has functioned as a left-wing advocacy group for years, unfairly influencing judicial appointments and legal accreditation. Lee also questioned why the Senate Judiciary Committee continues to rely on the ABA’s evaluations of judicial nominees, given its well-documented bias against conservatives.

Elon Musk also weighed in on the controversy, calling the ABA a “far-left political organization.” With the FTC taking the lead in cutting ties, there is speculation that other federal agencies may soon follow suit.

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