WASHINGTON – In a new op-ed for RealClearMarkets, Competitiveness Coalition Chair Scott Brown writes that it is time to “DOGE” the FTC by bringing antitrust enforcement under one roof in a common-sense move that will Make America Competitive Again and serve President Trump’s mission to usher America into a new Golden Age. 

“Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has done yeoman’s work in the opening months of the administration, leading to an estimated savings of $170 billion dollars to date, or more than $1,000 per taxpayer…Right now, two separate agencies inexplicably oversee the responsibilities of promoting competition in government. Both the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division do the job of one agency. Even the FTC’s website concedes ‘their authorities overlap.’ House Republicans wisely initiated a legislative effort to consolidate the antitrust within the DOJ. Whether it’s a legislative fix or Musk’s wood chipper at DOGE, the job needs to be finished.”

Brown continues by extolling the virtues of this common-sense move, as we have seen the pitfalls of an FTC run amok: “There are more than just potential government savings on the line. It’s also the prevention of further economic ruin.  Under the stewardship of the Biden-appointed Lina Khan, the FTC became an uncontrollable runaway train. Adopting a “ready, fire, aim” approach, Khan initiated countless and meritless lawsuits on a whim, more interested in grabbing headlines and scoring political points than implementing sober-minded, thoughtful policy that prioritizes the interests of consumers.”

Brown concludes by reminding readers of the Trump administration’s commitment to eliminating government waste and extols lawmakers to begin this process and Make America Competitive Again: “ In his inaugural address to the American people, President Trump vowed the U.S. will ‘restore the integrity, competency, and loyalty of America’s government.’ It is now time for conservative lawmakers to act on that call, and take common sense steps, like that of consolidating federal antitrust efforts, to streamline and downsize the bloat of government to move America closer to our next Golden Age.”

Read the full piece here. 

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The Competitiveness Coalition is a first-of-its-kind group educating the public and advocating for policies that put consumers first while fostering innovation and attracting new investment.