FTC Bans ABA Participation, Labels It A Democratic Party Proxy

The Federal Trade Commission has issued a sweeping ban on political appointees engaging with the American Bar Association, barring staff from participating in ABA events or using federal funds to maintain memberships. FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson justified the move by accusing the ABA of functioning as an unofficial legal arm of the Democratic Party.

The decision comes in response to the ABA’s recent attack on the Trump administration’s policies. In a public statement, the association condemned the administration’s reforms, including the restructuring of USAID and the removal of diversity programs from government agencies. Ferguson rejected these criticisms, arguing that the ABA’s opposition was driven by financial self-interest rather than legal concerns.

According to Ferguson, the ABA has received tens of millions of dollars in federal funding through USAID and the State Department, creating an apparent conflict of interest. He also cited the organization’s history of providing negative ratings for conservative judicial nominees while favoring progressive candidates.

Sen. Mike Lee applauded the FTC’s move, stating that the ABA’s influence over judicial nominations and law school accreditation has been a problem for years. He argued that the ABA should be treated like any other advocacy group rather than as a neutral evaluator of legal professionals.

Elon Musk joined the discussion, calling the ABA a “far-left political organization.” With growing calls for more agencies to distance themselves from the ABA, the FTC’s decision may set a precedent for broader action against the group’s influence in Washington.

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