FTC Seeks Amazon Trial Delay Citing Resource Constraints
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has requested a delay in its September trial against Amazon. The agency attributes this request to “severe resource shortfalls in terms of both money and personnel.” The trial, set to take place in a Seattle federal court, concerns allegations that Amazon misled consumers regarding its Prime subscription service.
During a Wednesday hearing, Jonathan Cohen, an attorney for the FTC, informed U.S. District Judge John Chun that the agency is facing a “dire resource situation.” This situation stems from cost-cutting measures implemented under President Donald Trump’s administration.
“We have lost employees in the agency, in our division and on our case team,” Cohen stated. He explained that some employees involved in the case accepted a resignation offer issued in January. Others have resigned for different reasons, or are scheduled to be on leave during the trial. Furthermore, Cohen noted that hiring freezes prevent the FTC from filling these vacant positions.
Cohen also highlighted new spending restrictions impacting FTC attorneys. These restrictions limit the purchase of court transcripts and depositions to the slowest delivery schedule available, despite the fact that those deliveries can take several weeks to arrive.
Judge Chun has asked the FTC to formally submit its request to postpone the trial until later in the fall.
