The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has directed its staff to stop referring to the agency as "independent" in complaints, according to an email obtained by The Verge. This move has raised eyebrows, as it suggests that the agency is no longer pushing back against President Donald Trump's attempts to exert control over the historically independent FTC.

The email, sent by Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Christopher Mufarrige on March 21st, instructed staff to remove the phrase "independent agency of the United States Government" from complaints. This change comes on the heels of Trump's executive order in February, which granted the White House the power to review independent regulatory agencies' obligations for consistency with the President's policies and priorities.

This development is seen as part of a broader trend, as Trump has been flexing his power over the agency. In a move that defied decades-old Supreme Court precedent, Trump fired the two minority Democratic commissioners at the FTC on March 18th, citing that their continued service was "inconsistent with my Administration's priorities." The commissioners have since filed a lawsuit, which includes a copy of the letter they received from the White House regarding their removals.

Republican FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson has publicly supported Trump's actions, stating that he has no doubt the President's lawful powers will ultimately be confirmed. This has sparked concerns about the agency's ability to maintain its independence and make impartial decisions, particularly in the realm of tech policy.

The implications of this power play are far-reaching, as the FTC plays a critical role in regulating the tech industry. With the agency's independence in question, there are concerns about its ability to effectively enforce laws and regulations, particularly those related to child safety and consumer protection. Democrats have expressed doubts about the agency's ability to enforce these laws, given its current weakened state.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the FTC will navigate this new landscape and whether it will be able to maintain its independence in the face of presidential pressure. One thing is clear, however: the agency's ability to effectively regulate the tech industry hangs in the balance.