Story perspectives

Supreme Court Greenlights Trump to Dismiss FTC Commissioner

9/23/2025

Summary

Story summary

Supreme Court allowed President Donald Trump to fire FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter while reviewing a 90-year precedent on independent agencies.
Conservative majority signaled a shift to dismissals without cause, opposed by three liberal justices.
Justice Elena Kagan argued the ruling undermines Congress's intent to shield independence.
December arguments will review the constitutionality of FTC protections and affect other independent agencies.

History

Historical Context

The 1935 Supreme Court ruling in *Humphrey's Executor v. United States* affirmed the independence of federal agencies like the FTC, limiting presidential power to dismiss commissioners. However, President Trump's recent attempt to fire FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter in 2025 raises concerns about the future autonomy of independent agencies, potentially reshaping the balance of power between the presidency and regulatory bodies.

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Story summary

Supreme Court allowed President Donald Trump to fire FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter while reviewing a 90-year precedent on independent agencies.
Conservative majority signaled a shift to dismissals without cause, opposed by three liberal justices.
Justice Elena Kagan argued the ruling undermines Congress's intent to shield independence.
December arguments will review the constitutionality of FTC protections and affect other independent agencies.

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