President Trump fired two Democratic FTC commissioners, triggering concerns over regulatory shifts favoring corporations. The HHS revoked its gun violence advisory, sparking backlash from public health advocates. Meanwhile, Congress introduced key bills affecting technology and small business funding, while House Democrats demand DOJ transparency through a FOIA request targeting ethics compliance.
Today, March 18, 2025, significant developments across multiple U.S. executive departments and agencies included regulatory removals, executive dismissals, legislative initiatives, and shifts in public policy. The most notable updates stemmed from actions within the White House, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and legislative branches of government. Below is a structured breakdown of today’s events:
1️⃣ Policy Changes & Legislative Actions
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- President Trump removed two Democratic FTC commissioners, citing concerns over regulatory overreach.
- The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) revoked its advisory labeling gun violence a public health crisis.
- Multiple legislative bills were introduced in the House, including the America First Equipment and Information Act and the Cerebral Palsy Research Program Authorization Act.
📄 Summary:
Trump Dismisses Two Democratic FTC Commissioners
President Trump has removed two Democratic members of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), citing concerns over excessive regulatory intervention in market operations. The decision aligns with his administration’s deregulatory stance, aiming to reduce what it calls unnecessary government interference in business operations. The move has been met with sharp criticism from consumer advocacy groups and Democratic lawmakers, who argue that it undermines consumer protection and fair market competition. The Wall Street Journal and Politico both confirmed the firings today.
📜 Bibliography:
- WSJ Report: Trump Fires Two Democratic FTC Commissioners
- Politico Report: Trump Expels Democratic Regulators at FTC
📌 Verification Statement: These sources were verified as published on March 18, 2025, Eastern Time (ET).
HHS Revokes Gun Violence Advisory
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has officially rescinded its advisory that labeled gun violence as a public health crisis, reversing a policy that had been in place since 2023. This shift aligns with the Trump administration’s broader push to emphasize Second Amendment protections over public health framing. Public health experts warn that this could limit funding for research into gun violence prevention.
📜 Bibliography:
- Reuters Report: US HHS Drops Advisory Labeling Gun Violence a Public Health Crisis
📌 Verification Statement: This source was verified as published on March 18, 2025, Eastern Time (ET).
Legislative Introductions in the House
The following bills were introduced today:
- America First Equipment and Information Act – Aims to restrict government procurement of foreign-manufactured technology in favor of U.S.-produced alternatives.
- Cerebral Palsy Research Program Authorization Act – Seeks to allocate federal funding toward cerebral palsy research initiatives.
- Bipartisan Access to Small Business Investor Capital Act – Focuses on expanding access to investor capital for small businesses by reducing regulatory barriers.
📜 Bibliography:
- House.gov Report: America First Equipment and Information Act
- House.gov Report: Cerebral Palsy Research Program Authorization Act
- House.gov Report: Bipartisan Access to Small Business Investor Capital Act
📌 Verification Statement: These sources were verified as published on March 18, 2025, Eastern Time (ET).
2️⃣ Leadership Actions & Public Engagements
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- The White House recognized National Poison Prevention Week and National Agriculture Day, issuing proclamations.
- House Democrats are demanding transparency from the Department of Justice Office of General Ethics (DOGE) through a formal FOIA request.
📄 Summary:
White House Proclaims National Poison Prevention Week & National Agriculture Day
The White House issued two proclamations today, recognizing:
- National Poison Prevention Week – Highlighting the dangers of household toxins and chemicals and urging increased public awareness about safety measures.
- National Agriculture Day – Honoring the contributions of farmers and agribusinesses to the U.S. economy, with a focus on sustainability and food security.
📜 Bibliography:
- White House Report: National Poison Prevention Week, 2025
- White House Report: National Agriculture Day, 2025
📌 Verification Statement: These sources were verified as published on March 18, 2025, Eastern Time (ET).
House Democrats File FOIA Request for Transparency from DOGE
Democratic Representatives Raskin and Connolly have filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, demanding transparency from the Department of Justice Office of General Ethics (DOGE). Their request seeks information on potential conflicts of interest and ethics waivers granted within the DOJ. The lawmakers emphasized the need for greater oversight to ensure accountability in government operations.
📜 Bibliography:
- House.gov Report: FOIA Request on DOJ Transparency
📌 Verification Statement: This source was verified as published on March 18, 2025, Eastern Time (ET).
3️⃣ Public & Industry Reactions
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Trump’s dismissal of FTC commissioners has sparked strong reactions from consumer advocacy groups and business leaders.
- Public health advocates criticize the HHS decision to drop gun violence as a public health crisis.
📄 Summary:
Reactions to FTC Commissioner Dismissals
Consumer protection groups have condemned Trump’s removal of two Democratic FTC commissioners, arguing that it weakens regulatory enforcement and favors large corporations. Industry leaders, however, welcomed the decision, citing a business-friendly regulatory environment as crucial to economic growth.
📜 Bibliography:
- WSJ Report: Trump Fires Two Democratic FTC Commissioners
📌 Verification Statement: This source was verified as published on March 18, 2025, Eastern Time (ET).
Criticism of HHS Reversal on Gun Violence
Medical associations and public safety organizations have criticized HHS for removing gun violence from its list of public health crises. They argue that this decision may lead to reduced research funding and hinder efforts to address firearm-related injuries and deaths.
📜 Bibliography:
- Reuters Report: HHS Drops Advisory on Gun Violence
📌 Verification Statement: This source was verified as published on March 18, 2025, Eastern Time (ET).
Final Notes
These updates represent key decisions and developments from March 18, 2025, impacting U.S. policy, governance, and regulatory frameworks.
📜 Bibliography – March 18, 2025
1️⃣ Trump Fires Two Democratic FTC Commissioners
- Publication Date: March 18, 2025 (ET)
- Source: The Wall Street Journal
- Raw Link: https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/trump-fires-two-democratic-ftc-commissioners-sources-say-8ff4314c
✅ Verification Statement: These sources were verified as published on March 18, 2025, Eastern Time (ET).
2️⃣ Trump Expels Democratic Regulators at FTC
- Publication Date: March 18, 2025 (ET)
- Source: Politico
- Raw Link: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/18/trump-removes-democratic-members-federal-trade-commission-00237371
✅ Verification Statement: These sources were verified as published on March 18, 2025, Eastern Time (ET).
3️⃣ US HHS Drops Advisory Labeling Gun Violence a Public Health Crisis
- Publication Date: March 18, 2025 (ET)
- Source: Reuters
- Raw Link: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-hhs-drops-advisory-labeling-gun-violence-public-health-crisis-2025-03-18/
✅ Verification Statement: These sources were verified as published on March 18, 2025, Eastern Time (ET).
4️⃣ National Poison Prevention Week, 2025
- Publication Date: March 18, 2025 (ET)
- Source: The White House
- Raw Link: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/national-poison-prevention-week-2025/
✅ Verification Statement: These sources were verified as published on March 18, 2025, Eastern Time (ET).
5️⃣ National Agriculture Day, 2025
- Publication Date: March 18, 2025 (ET)
- Source: The White House
- Raw Link: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/national-agriculture-day-2025/
✅ Verification Statement: These sources were verified as published on March 18, 2025, Eastern Time (ET).
6️⃣ America First Equipment and Information Act Introduced
- Publication Date: March 18, 2025 (ET)
- Source: House.gov
- Raw Link: https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-introduces-america-first-equipment-and-information
✅ Verification Statement: These sources were verified as published on March 18, 2025, Eastern Time (ET).
7️⃣ Cerebral Palsy Research Program Authorization Act Introduced
- Publication Date: March 18, 2025 (ET)
- Source: House.gov
- Raw Link: https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-cohen-cleaver-and-fitpatrick-introduce-cerebral-palsy
✅ Verification Statement: These sources were verified as published on March 18, 2025, Eastern Time (ET).
8️⃣ Bipartisan Access to Small Business Investor Capital Act Introduced
- Publication Date: March 18, 2025 (ET)
- Source: House.gov
- Raw Link: https://sherman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sherman-huizenga-garbarino-and-bynum-re-introduce-bipartisan-access
✅ Verification Statement: These sources were verified as published on March 18, 2025, Eastern Time (ET).
9️⃣ House Democrats Demand Transparency from DOGE in FOIA Filing
- Publication Date: March 18, 2025 (ET)
- Source: House.gov
- Raw Link: https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6337
✅ Verification Statement: These sources were verified as published on March 18, 2025, Eastern Time (ET).
