The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has requested a federal judge to postpone a trial concerning its allegations against Amazon for misleading practices related to the Prime subscription service. The FTC cites staffing shortages and budgetary issues as the main reasons for seeking a delay.
During a status hearing, FTC attorney Jonathan Cohen presented the request to U.S. District Judge John Chun, the presiding judge in the lawsuit filed against Amazon in 2023 in Washington state.
Cohen explained the agency’s current staffing issues: “Our resource constraints are severe and really unique to this moment,” adding that they have lost key personnel both within the agency and specifically on this case. The shortage is partly due to recent government cuts, prompting some staff departures, as mentioned in an email from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency earlier in the year. Due to a government hiring freeze, replacements for these positions have yet to be hired.
The FTC trial, originally scheduled for September, is now in question. The FTC seeks to adjust deadlines and suggests a delay corresponding to a two-month continuation to accommodate their current situation.
Despite this request, the FTC legal team is striving to meet an April deadline for discovery under pressure. They also face challenges related to acquiring court documents and travel restrictions, according to Cohen. Moreover, in April, agency employees will be required to relocate, which may further hinder preparations.
Judge Chun queried how the situation might improve in the proposed two-month timeframe. Cohen conceded uncertainty but remained hopeful, citing that the worst may be over.
On the other side, John Hueston, representing Amazon, opposed the delay. He argued that most FTC lawyers involved with the Amazon case remain within the organization. He contended that staff changes are routine and do not justify trial postponement, emphasizing that Amazon has long sought to restore its reputation and its executives have already arranged their schedules for the trial.
“We really want to keep the date” for the trial, Hueston maintained.
The lawsuit, initiated during former FTC Chair Lina Khan’s tenure, charges Amazon with unauthorized enrollments into the Prime program and complicating subscription cancellations for consumers. The FTC filed this case months before presenting an antitrust lawsuit targeting Amazon’s alleged monopolistic domination of online markets, scheduled for a trial in October 2026.
Amazon has been navigating its relationship with President Donald Trump. The company previously endured critiques from Trump but has since sought a more harmonious relationship. Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s founder, expressed optimism about Trump’s second term in December. Amazon made a $1 million contribution to Trump’s inauguration fund that same month, and Bezos attended the event.
Additionally, Amazon’s Prime Video recently began broadcasting “The Apprentice,” a TV show that elevated Trump’s public image before his political career. The company is also developing a documentary about first lady Melania Trump’s life.
Separately, Bezos, who owns The Washington Post, faced scrutiny over editorial adjustments perceived as pro-Trump. Although Bezos defended the absence of an endorsement for a presidential candidate before the election as appropriate and principled, he refuted claims that it was a tactic to shield his business interests.
