FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson announced on X that WeatherTech founder David MacNeil has been nominated to a seat on the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. President Trump previously shifted former nominee Ryan Baasch to the National Economic Council. The FTC limits any party to three of five commissioners; Ferguson and Mark Meador are Republicans. Trump's March removal of two Democratic commissioners led to a Supreme Court case that could increase presidential authority over independent agencies.
WeatherTech Founder David MacNeil Nominated To U.S. Federal Trade Commission Seat
Signage is seen at the Federal Trade Commission headquarters in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 29, 2020. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly
Jan 13 (Reuters) - David MacNeil, founder of automotive accessories maker WeatherTech, has been nominated to serve on the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson announced on the social platform X on Tuesday.
"I look forward to working with this outstanding businessman and great patriot," Ferguson wrote.
The nomination fills an open seat on the five-member commission. President Donald Trump had earlier considered former Texas attorney Ryan Baasch for a commissioner position but reassigned him to a role on the White House National Economic Council, a White House official told Reuters.
The FTC is structured so that no more than three of its five commissioners may belong to the same political party; Ferguson and Commissioner Mark Meador are both Republicans. In March, Trump removed the agency's two Democratic commissioners — a move that prompted a U.S. Supreme Court case that could affect the degree of presidential control over independent agencies established by Congress.
MacNeil's nomination comes as the administration seeks to fill the vacancy and shape the commission's policy direction. Observers say the choice of a business founder signals an emphasis on industry experience as the FTC moves forward on competition and consumer-protection issues.
(Reporting by Jody Godoy in New York; Editing by Chris Reese)
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