President-elect Donald Trump announced significant appointments on Tuesday, naming Andrew Ferguson as the next chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Kimberly Guilfoyle as ambassador to Greece, and Tom Barrack as ambassador to Turkey. Ferguson will succeed Lina Khan, whose tenure focused on aggressive antitrust actions against major corporations.
Guilfoyle, a close ally and former television personality, will take on a diplomatic role, while Barrack, a financier with longstanding ties to Trump, has been selected for a critical international position. These choices underline Trump’s preference for experienced allies in key posts.
The FTC is set to take a different direction under Ferguson’s leadership. Known for his opposition to Big Tech censorship, Ferguson is expected to prioritize a more business-friendly regulatory approach, contrasting sharply with Khan’s combative stance against corporate consolidation.
Trump praised Ferguson for his commitment to free speech and innovation, suggesting that the FTC under his guidance may revisit previously blocked mergers and acquisitions, signaling a potential shift in federal antitrust enforcement.
Kimberly Guilfoyle’s nomination as ambassador to Greece highlights her close relationship with Trump and her background as a prosecutor and campaign fundraiser. Guilfoyle, who played a pivotal role in Trump’s 2020 campaign, expressed enthusiasm for the new role and pledged to work toward Senate approval.
Trump Announces Key Appointments Ferguson to FTC, Guilfoyle to Greece, Barrack to Turkey
Trump lauded her intellect and dedication, emphasizing her qualifications for representing U.S. interests abroad. This appointment underscores Trump’s strategy of placing trusted individuals in high-profile diplomatic roles.
Tom Barrack, chosen to serve as ambassador to Turkey, brings a wealth of financial expertise and a longstanding friendship with Trump. Despite facing legal challenges in the past, Barrack was acquitted and remains a trusted advisor.
Trump described him as a respected figure with the experience necessary for handling this significant role. Barrack’s selection demonstrates Trump’s reliance on personal connections and loyalty when assigning influential positions.
The FTC’s incoming leadership is likely to have significant implications for antitrust policies and corporate mergers. Deals like the Kroger-Albertsons merger, previously halted by regulatory challenges, may receive a fresh evaluation under Ferguson’s tenure.
However, public concerns over rising grocery prices may temper how aggressively the FTC reverses past decisions. While Big Tech firms may face less regulatory pressure, some level of scrutiny is expected to remain, particularly regarding allegations of censorship against conservative viewpoints, reflecting ongoing political and economic considerations.
