Story perspectives

Supreme Court Reviews Trump's Power to Fire FTC Member

9/10/2025

Summary

Story summary

Chief Justice John Roberts temporarily permitted President Trump to remove FTC member Rebecca Slaughter while the Supreme Court reviews her reinstatement case.
Slaughter claims her firing violated federal law, which mandates cause for removal.
A federal district court deemed Trump's removal attempt unlawful, prompting an appeal from his administration.
Recent Supreme Court actions indicate a potential shift from the 1935 precedent limiting presidential removal powers.
Legal experts worry this may threaten the independence of federal agencies.

History

Historical Context

The 1935 Supreme Court ruling in Humphrey's Executor v. United States established limits on presidential removal powers, safeguarding the independence of agencies like the Federal Trade Commission. This precedent is significant today as legal experts express concerns regarding President Trump's case involving Rebecca Slaughter, fearing that shifts in judicial interpretation could threaten the autonomy of federal agencies and impact governance.

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Story summary

Chief Justice John Roberts temporarily permitted President Trump to remove FTC member Rebecca Slaughter while the Supreme Court reviews her reinstatement case.
Slaughter claims her firing violated federal law, which mandates cause for removal.
A federal district court deemed Trump's removal attempt unlawful, prompting an appeal from his administration.
Recent Supreme Court actions indicate a potential shift from the 1935 precedent limiting presidential removal powers.
Legal experts worry this may threaten the independence of federal agencies.

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