Trump-Era Deregulation Revival: Can the FTC Really Drain the Regulatory Swamp?

The Federal Trade Commission just fired a shot across the bow of bloated federal regulations, launching a public inquiry to root out rules that choke competition and suffocate the American economy. This isn’t some bureaucratic paper shuffle; it’s a direct response to President Trump’s executive order demanding a hard look at regulations that protect entrenched giants while locking out the little guy. The goal? Clear the path for startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators to thrive without government red tape tying their hands.

For too long, federal regulations have acted like a rigged game, tilting the playing field toward dominant corporations that can afford armies of lawyers to navigate compliance mazes. Meanwhile, small businesses and new entrants get crushed under the weight of rules they can’t afford to fight. The FTC’s move signals a return to first principles: markets should reward ingenuity and grit, not whoever can best game the system.

This inquiry isn’t just about abstract economic theory. It’s about real people—workers, consumers, and dreamers—who pay the price when regulations stifle opportunity. By inviting public comments, the FTC is giving everyday Americans a chance to call out rules that hold back growth and innovation. It’s a rare moment when the government actually listens, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

President Trump’s directive, paired with the FTC’s action, marks a decisive shift toward unleashing the competitive spirit that built America. The question now is whether this push can dismantle decades of regulatory overreach and restore a marketplace where anyone with a good idea can succeed.

Regulations aren’t inherently evil; some protect consumers and ensure fair play. But when they balloon into a labyrinth of compliance costs and barriers, they become a weapon for entrenched interests. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has documented how excessive rules impose direct costs, sap opportunity, and kill innovation. During President Trump’s first term, regulatory budgets slashed cumulative costs, freeing businesses to invest and grow. Contrast that with the Biden years, when regulatory costs soared past $1.8 trillion, burying entrepreneurs under new burdens.

Take licensing requirements, for example. They’re often sold as consumer protections but end up as gatekeepers that lock out new players. In sectors like healthcare and technology, these rules favor incumbents who can afford the legal firepower to comply, while startups scramble to keep up. The FTC’s inquiry is zeroing in on these barriers, seeking input from businesses, workers, and academics to identify rules that rig markets against the underdog.

Historical precedent backs this approach. The National Industrial Recovery Act of the 1930s, struck down by the Supreme Court, let industries write their own rules, crushing smaller firms and stifling competition. Today’s regulatory thicket isn’t much different, with complex standards and procurement processes that favor big players. The FTC’s mission is to cut through this mess and restore markets where competition, not cronyism, determines winners.

Opponents of deregulation argue that slashing rules risks consumer harm. But this critique misses the mark. The FTC isn’t advocating a free-for-all; it’s targeting rules that distort markets and protect monopolies. A competitive economy benefits consumers through lower prices and better choices, not by propping up bloated incumbents.

Entrepreneurship is the lifeblood of America’s economy, but regulations often act like a chokehold on innovation. The FTC’s Request for Information invites startups and investors to pinpoint rules that make it harder to launch a business or bring a new idea to market. This isn’t just about tweaking policy; it’s about ensuring the next big breakthrough doesn’t die in a sea of paperwork.

The Department of Justice is also stepping up, with a task force targeting state and federal regulations that raise costs in industries like housing and transportation. These efforts align with a broader vision: an economy where risk-takers aren’t punished by arbitrary barriers. Public comments, due by May 27, 2025, will shape reforms that could redefine opportunity for millions.

History shows what’s possible when barriers fall. Deregulation in telecommunications and finance in the late 20th century unleashed waves of innovation, creating jobs and wealth. Today, the FTC and DOJ are betting that streamlining rules can spark a similar renaissance, especially in tech and energy, where startups face steep regulatory hurdles.

The FTC’s inquiry isn’t just for policy wonks; it’s a chance for every American to weigh in. Consumers feeling squeezed by high prices, workers frustrated by limited job options, and businesses battered by compliance costs all have a stake in this fight. By submitting comments on Regulations.gov, ordinary people can help shape an economy that works for them, not just the well-connected.

This moment recalls the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, which tackled monopolies that threatened economic freedom. Today’s challenge is subtler but no less urgent: regulations that quietly entrench power and stifle competition. The FTC and DOJ are taking up that mantle, but they need public input to get it right.

The FTC’s inquiry, backed by President Trump’s executive order, is a clarion call to dismantle the regulatory barriers that hold America back. By targeting rules that protect insiders and exclude innovators, this effort promises to unleash the competitive forces that drive growth and opportunity. The public’s role in this process can’t be overstated; every comment submitted is a step toward a fairer marketplace.

America’s economic future hinges on whether we can restore a system where hard work and ingenuity triumph over bureaucratic inertia. The FTC’s bold move, paired with the DOJ’s task force, offers a chance to rebuild an economy that rewards risk and fuels prosperity. Let’s seize it.