In a move that breaks from tradition, President Donald Trump has selected David MacNeil, the founder and CEO of WeatherTech, as his nominee for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). MacNeil, who established the company known for its durable car floor mats in 1989, is its sole owner. Dedicated to maintaining its operations within the United States, WeatherTech has been a beacon of domestic production. FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson took to social media platform X to applaud MacNeil, describing him as both an “outstanding businessman” and a “great patriot.” Ferguson shared a video segment highlighting MacNeil’s unwavering commitment to U.S.-based manufacturing. If confirmed, MacNeil will fill the position previously occupied by Melissa Holyoak, who has since transitioned to a role as a U.S. Attorney in Utah.

MacNeil’s candidacy for the FTC is notable for its departure from the typical profiles of previous commissioners, who often possess backgrounds in law, academia, or have served on Capitol Hill. A billionaire entrepreneur, MacNeil recently purchased a $75 million estate close to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence. He has been a financial supporter of Republican causes and of Trump himself, although in 2018, he made headlines by threatening to withhold donations from Republican candidates who did not back the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

MacNeil’s business acumen could align with several of the FTC’s current priorities, particularly in enforcing regulations like the Made in the USA Labeling Rule, aimed at curbing misleading marketing practices. His nomination, however, is subject to Senate approval, where it could face challenges. Democrats have expressed concerns over Trump’s reluctance to appoint Democrats to the typically five-member commission, especially following his controversial dismissal of two Democratic commissioners, a decision that some argue contradicts Supreme Court precedent.

Still, his experience may fit with some of the FTC’s current enforcement and regulatory goals, such as enforcing the Made in the USA Labeling Rule, to prevent deceptive marketing. MacNeil will need to be confirmed by the Senate, where Democrats will likely take issue with Trump’s failure to nominate Democrats to the typically-five member panel after firing two of them against Supreme Court precedent.