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Supreme Court Strikes Humphrey Executor Rule After Trump Firing

7/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

On June 29 2026 the Supreme Court ruled the Humphrey Executor precedent unconstitutional.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s firing of Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter sparked the lawsuit that produced the ruling.
The Court argued that shielding commissioners from presidential removal erodes voter accountability and that agencies’ quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial powers breach the constitutional separation of powers.
Legal scholars warn the decision could launch a broader dismantling of the administrative state.

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Story summary

On June 29 2026 the Supreme Court ruled the Humphrey Executor precedent unconstitutional.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s firing of Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter sparked the lawsuit that produced the ruling.
The Court argued that shielding commissioners from presidential removal erodes voter accountability and that agencies’ quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial powers breach the constitutional separation of powers.
Legal scholars warn the decision could launch a broader dismantling of the administrative state.