Ferguson Investigation Unveils Shocking New Evidence—What It Means for Police Reform

Washington, D.C. — Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson has officially proclaimed July 2025 as “Made in the USA Month,” spotlighting stricter enforcement of the FTC’s Made in USA Rule and renewing national attention on product origin claims. What “Made in the USA Month” Means The FTC’s Made in USA Rule bars companies from labeling goods as domestically produced unless “all or virtually all” significant components and processing occur in the United States. Violators can face civil penalties of up to $46,517 per infringement. By dedicating an entire month to the rule, Ferguson says the agency aims to give honest manufacturers “a level playing field” while shielding shoppers from deceptive marketing tactics. Key Points from Ferguson’s Statement • 61 percent of surveyed Americans consider “Made in USA” labels when making purchases, underscoring growing demand for domestic goods. • The FTC has published a streamlined compliance guide to help businesses substantiate origin claims before advertising. • Enforcement will target everyday consumer items—from appliances to apparel—as well as complex industrial products that misuse patriotic branding. Why the Crackdown Matters for Consumers False origin claims not only mislead buyers but can also undermine confidence in legitimately American-made brands. With U.S. manufacturing employment topping 13 million workers in 2025, mislabeling threatens domestic jobs and stifles investment in local supply chains. Implications for Manufacturers and Retailers 1. Documentation: Firms must maintain supply-chain records proving U.S. sourcing and assembly. 2. Marketing Review: Packaging, e-commerce listings and social media ads must align with the FTC standard. 3. Potential Liability: Each mislabeled SKU can trigger separate fines, escalating financial exposure for large catalogs. Expert Commentary Trade attorney Lisa Huang of Capitol Compliance Group notes, “The FTC has signaled zero tolerance for fuzzy claims like ‘Designed in America.’ Brands should conduct a top-to-bottom audit now rather than risk a public enforcement action during Made in the USA Month.” How Shoppers Can Verify Claims • Look for qualified language such as “Assembled in USA with imported parts” if not fully domestic. • Check the FTC’s public complaint database for past violations. • When in doubt, contact manufacturers directly for sourcing details. What’s Next The commission is expected to release an enforcement update in early August detailing investigations opened during the month-long spotlight. Businesses found in violation may also be required to issue corrective advertising. Bottom Line Ferguson’s high-profile declaration places “Ferguson,” the FTC, and “Made in USA Month” at the center of the summer news cycle. For companies, robust compliance is now a competitive necessity. For consumers, clearer labeling offers new power to support American workers with every purchase.