Story perspectives

Supreme Court Weighs Trump's Power to Fire FTC Member

12/7/2025

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on December 8 to decide whether U.S. President Donald Trump can fire FTC member Rebecca Slaughter.
The case challenges Humphrey's Executor, arguing for broader presidential removal power under the unitary executive theory.
Critics warn that a ruling for Trump could undermine independent agencies and enable presidential control over operations, while the conservative majority has signaled willingness to narrow or overturn these protections.

History

Historical Context

The 1935 Supreme Court case Humphrey's Executor v. United States established that Congress could limit the President's power to remove independent agency officials, specifically the FTC. This ruling arose from President Franklin D. Roosevelt's dismissal of FTC Commissioner William E. Humphrey, which was deemed unlawful. The current challenge to this precedent could redefine the balance of power between the presidency and independent agencies.

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Story summary

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on December 8 to decide whether U.S. President Donald Trump can fire FTC member Rebecca Slaughter.
The case challenges Humphrey's Executor, arguing for broader presidential removal power under the unitary executive theory.
Critics warn that a ruling for Trump could undermine independent agencies and enable presidential control over operations, while the conservative majority has signaled willingness to narrow or overturn these protections.

1 / 2