Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson testifies on Capitol Hill on May 15, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Dietsch | Getty Images North America)The Federal Trade Commission is moving to vacate its rule banning noncompete agreements, reversing what was seen as a signature accomplishment of the commission under President Biden. Federal judge throws out U.S. ban on noncompetes A federal judge in Texas has struck down the government’s ban on noncompetes. Still, since becoming FTC chair under Trump, Ferguson has made clear he’s no fan of noncompete agreements. Wilkins notes that even in states that have passed their own laws making noncompete agreements unenforceable, companies are still using them. Many workers barely recall signing noncompetes, until they try to change jobs Employers say that noncompete agreements are needed to protect trade secrets and investments.