US Supreme Court Rules Trump Can Fire Leaders of Independent Agencies
Case focused on White House’s March 2025 firing of Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter
TL;DR
- The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the president can fire leaders of independent agencies or commissions.
- This decision overturns a 90-year-old precedent that previously curbed executive power over such agencies.
- The case, Trump v Slaughter, stemmed from the White House's firing of FTC member Rebecca Slaughter without cause.
- The ruling could impact approximately two dozen agencies with similar structures to the FTC.
- The dissent argued that the decision disregards constitutional text, history, and established practices.
- While the court allowed Trump's firing of Slaughter, it also blocked his move to fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook.
- Critics fear the decision will undermine agency independence, making leaders hesitant to act without White House approval.
- Donald Trump celebrated the ruling, calling it a historic victory for presidential powers.