Christopher Mufarrige, who has spearheaded the Federal Trade Commission’s push on price transparency in the past year, may soon be one of the agency’s commissioners.
Driving the news: Mufarrige has been nominated by the Donald Trump Administration for one of the three vacancies on the FTC, which currently has only two sitting commissioners, Andrew Ferguson and Mark Meador.
He will now await Senate confirmation.
WeatherTech CEO David MacNeil was previously nominated by the Trump Administration but withdrew his consideration, according to Bloomberg.
Leading price transparency efforts: Mufarrige has served as the Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection since January 2025.
Mufarrige’s division sent the 97 warning letters to auto dealers in March on price transparency, encouraging dealers to review their advertising and pricing practices, including ensuring advertised prices include all fees consumers will be required to pay when buying a vehicle.
“The Trump-Vance FTC is committed to preventing auto dealers from misleading consumers with low advertised prices and then adding on mandatory fees at the end of the purchasing process,” Mufarrige said. “The FTC will remain focused on monitoring auto dealerships to ensure that the market functions efficiently and competitors are transparently competing on price.”
The FTC has reached settlement agreements with two dealers that received letters since October.
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What they are saying: Two industry associations applauded the nomination of Mufarrige, who has dealership experience and presented webinars with the NADA and NIADA following the letters sent to dealers on price transparency. He also spoke to dealers this fall at the NADA Washington Conference.
“NADA congratulates Chris Mufarrige on his nomination to serve as an FTC commissioner. In working with him in his role as director over the past two years, we have appreciated his accessibility and willingness to engage on issues important to franchised automobile dealers,” said NADA spokeswoman Amy Wright to CDG News. “We look forward to continuing that relationship in his new role.”
NIADA CEO Jeff Martin said about Mufarrige’s nomination, “NIADA congratulates Director Chris Mufarrige on his nomination to serve as a commissioner on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). During his tenure leading the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, Mufarrige has demonstrated a commitment to transparent and fair market oversight, while remaining receptive to industry perspectives and willing to engage in meaningful dialogue. NIADA appreciates his approach and looks forward to continuing its productive relationship with him in this new and well-deserved role.”
Bottom line: If confirmed by the Senate, the FTC would gain a third Republican on the commission and someone with ties to the auto industry. No more than three Commissioners can be of the same political party.
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