Government-Contracted NGOs and Speech Suppression
Andrew Ferguson, a Federal Trade Commissioner, voiced concerns on Saturday’s WarRoom about government-funded or contracted NGOs suppressing free speech on platforms. He emphasized that "elections have consequences,” arguing that such NGOs should be shut down or drastically reformed. Ferguson told the WarRoom that he sees Trump’s potential presidency as an opportunity to eliminate these practices, stating, "The new government can just say we’re not going to do this anymore.”
Advertisers and Anti-Trust Violations
Ferguson also warned about “advertising cartels.” He explained the risk of powerful advertisers colluding to boycott platforms that allow free speech. Such agreements violate antitrust laws meant to ensure a fair marketplace. "Advertiser cartels and group boycotts cry out for antitrust scrutiny,” he stressed, urging the FTC under Trump to take bold action against such violations.
Government Collusion with Platforms
Ferguson highlighted past instances where government agencies, including the CDC and FBI, worked with social media platforms to suppress dissenting opinions. He pointed out the courts’ role in halting these actions, citing wins in Louisiana and Missouri. However, he argued that a Trump administration wouldn’t need courts to intervene. "The new government can directly stop officials from suppressing speech,” he said, calling for Congress to outlaw such practices permanently.
Reining in the Deep State
Ferguson sees the unelected "Deep State” as a major obstacle to aligning government actions with voter priorities. He explained that the administrative state often acts independently, pursuing its own interests. Ferguson called for decisive leadership to reform this system, stating, "Personnel is policy. We need to appoint people who will serve the American people, not censor them.”
Why This Matters to Every American
Ferguson’s focus on antitrust laws and censorship affects more than free speech. It’s about protecting the free market of ideas and ensuring fair competition in business and innovation. Suppressing speech impacts political discourse, entrepreneurship, and consumer choice, eroding the very foundation of democracy. "The only way to counter misinformation is real information in a free marketplace of ideas,” Ferguson emphasized.
Taking Back Control: A Plan for Reform
To regain control of the administrative state, Ferguson outlined key steps:
- Strong Leadership: Appoint politically accountable officials aligned with voters.
- Legislative Action: Pass laws to prevent government-platform collusion.
- Empowering Removal: Scale back protections that shield bureaucrats from being fired.
- Public Vigilance: Ensure every government employee works for the American people.
He concluded, "I’m excited about the prospect of turning the government toward the interests of the people rather than against them.”
Join the Conversation
Stay updated with Andrew Ferguson’s work on X (@FergusonFTC) or visit the FTC’s website.
For more context, watch Saturday’s WarRoom segment:
