FTC Severs Ties With ABA, Accuses It Of Leftist Bias And Conflicts Of Interest

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has formally cut off its relationship with the American Bar Association (ABA), blocking political appointees from participating in the organization or using federal funds to support its activities. FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson announced the move, citing the ABA’s partisan activism and its financial stake in federal programs targeted by the Trump administration.

Under the new policy, FTC officials cannot hold ABA leadership positions, attend its events, or receive government reimbursement for membership fees. Ferguson pointed to the ABA’s history of issuing negative evaluations for conservative judicial nominees while favoring progressive candidates, as well as opposing Trump administration policies.

The decision comes after the ABA released a statement attacking the administration’s reforms, particularly its dismantling of USAID and cutting diversity-based hiring programs. Ferguson pushed back, arguing that the ABA’s criticisms were driven by financial motives rather than legal principles. The organization received over $39 million in federal contracts last year, much of it from USAID and the State Department.

Sen. Mike Lee welcomed the FTC’s decision, questioning why the Senate Judiciary Committee continues to rely on ABA recommendations for judicial nominees despite its track record of partisan bias. He also criticized the ABA’s role in law school accreditation, arguing that its influence has contributed to ideological uniformity in the legal profession.

Elon Musk weighed in on the controversy, calling the ABA a “far-left political organization.” With the FTC leading the charge, other federal agencies may soon follow in distancing themselves from the ABA and its influence.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR