In Memory of Chairman Michael Perschuk | Federal Trade Commission

You can’t miss the six-foot-tall sign hanging on the wall of former Federal Trade Commission Chairman Michael Pertschuk’s office: “Washington Magic Joke Headquarters – Fireworks.” He claimed it was at a Washington novelty store closing salvaged, but it seemed designed specifically to describe his seven-year tenure at the FTC.

Magic techniques? He had some of these in his hands. A tireless defender of American consumers, his goal is to transform a small federal agency into what he calls “America’s greatest public interest law firm.” With a creative “Why not?” Chairman Petschuk attracted energetic lawyers and economists to the agency with a determined attitude and a bold sense of mission. In addition, Chairman Petschuk reimagined federal trade. The Commission’s strategy to challenge deceptive and unfair practices in food marketing, tobacco advertising, promotions to children and all areas. between.

joke? The joke is on any offender who underestimates the courage and determination of Chairman Peltschuk. He never backed down in the fight to protect consumers, and his aggressive and fiery approach to the law won him many admirers – and some powerful opponents.

Fireworks? A typical day in Chairman Petschuk’s office might produce more fireworks than the Fourth of July on the National Mall. However, many of the controversial positions he took during his tenure proved to be prescient. Always looking to the future, he predicted in 1980 the introduction of “data network terminals” into homes, hoping they would deliver on the “great promise to consumers” but warning of the risks of “potential dangers”.

Michael Pertschuk—consumer advocate, public servant, and fighter to the bitter end—passed away on November 16, 2022, at the age of 89.