The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has requested a delay in the September trial against Amazon, citing significant resource shortages. During a hearing in Seattle, FTC attorney Jonathan Cohen informed US District Judge John Chun that the agency is experiencing a critical resource situation due to cost-cutting measures under the Trump administration. Cohen mentioned that the FTC has lost employees from its division and case team, with others scheduled to be on leave during the trial, exacerbated by a hiring freeze. The trial concerns allegations that Amazon misled consumers regarding its Prime subscription service. Cohen stated that the case, involving claims worth at least $1 billion, is affected by new rules limiting FTC attorneys to purchasing legal proceeding transcripts on the cheapest delivery schedule, which may take weeks to arrive. Additionally, the FTC faces potential office relocation due to the Trump administration’s decision not to renew the lease on the building where most FTC attorneys work. Amazon denies any wrongdoing, and the lawsuit names three senior executives as defendants. FTC attorney Cohen argued that a delay would alleviate strain on the legal team, while Amazon’s attorney, John Hueston, urged the judge not to reschedule. Judge Chun asked the FTC to submit its request in writing by Friday. — news from CNN
