The Guardian
·Jul 2026
Trump’s consumer protection head has earned grudging respect – but does he have the authority to do his job?
Chris Mufarrige, director of the FTC’s consumer protection bureau, defends his agency’s record amid skepticism fueled by Trump administration actions that reduced staffing, removed commissioners, and weakened consumer protection structures. He highlights enforcement efforts against major companies, growing concerns about online scams facilitated by Meta platforms, and a strong focus on children’s data and privacy. While asserting White House support, he acknowledges structural limits and ongoing investigations, emphasizing the FTC’s role as an active protector of consumer rights.