FTC Cuts Off ABA Over Alleged Partisan Activism, Blocks Federal Support

The Federal Trade Commission has announced that it will no longer recognize or engage with the American Bar Association, prohibiting political appointees from holding ABA positions, attending its events, or using government funds to pay membership dues. The move follows the ABA’s recent criticism of the Trump administration’s policies, which FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson described as “Democrat political talking points.”

Ferguson argued that the ABA has long acted as an advocacy arm of the Democratic Party, using its influence to push leftist policies and obstruct conservative judicial nominations. He pointed to the ABA’s history of giving unfavorable ratings to Republican-nominated judges while supporting progressive legal initiatives.

The FTC’s decision comes amid broader scrutiny of the ABA’s role in law school accreditation and its financial ties to USAID, from which it received over $39 million last year. Ferguson accused the organization of failing to disclose its financial interest while publicly opposing Trump’s reforms.

Sen. Mike Lee welcomed the FTC’s decision, stating that the ABA’s influence over judicial nominations and legal education has been a problem for years. He suggested that Congress should reconsider the ABA’s accreditation power and its continued involvement in evaluating judicial nominees.

Elon Musk also joined the criticism, calling the ABA a “far-left political organization.” With the FTC cutting ties, the ABA’s influence over federal agencies may soon be further diminished.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR