Supreme Court Considers Presidential Authority Over Independent Federal Agencies

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the USA

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Image Source: Salwan Georges / The Washington Post via Getty Images

In a pivotal case concerning the structure of the U.S. federal government, the Supreme Court is set to decide whether President Donald Trump had the authority to fire a member of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), challenging a longstanding law designed to insulate the agency from political influence. This case has the potential to redefine the balance of power between the presidency and independent federal agencies.

The conservative-majority court is reviewing the dismissal of Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, a Democratic appointee, amid indications that Trump may prevail in this legal battle. His administration argues for the “unitary executive theory,” which suggests that the president holds exclusive executive power under Article 2 of the Constitution, including making independent regulatory decisions.

Under the law establishing the FTC in 1914, members can only be removed for “inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.” However, Trump’s move to remove Slaughter and other Democratic appointees without cause has set a controversial precedent.

The court’s decision has broader implications, potentially affecting other independent entities like the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Critics argue that this approach undermines the independence of agencies meant to operate free from political pressures, but supporters, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, assert it reinforces executive accountability.

Central to the case is whether to overturn the 1935 Supreme Court ruling in Humphrey’s Executor v. United States, which upheld constraints on presidential power to dismiss FTC members. Additionally, the legal standing of Slaughter regarding her reinstatement remains in question.

While Trump’s administration has aggressively pursued similar control over other federal agencies, the decision could significantly impact how future presidents interact with independent regulatory bodies. The ruling will help define the boundaries of executive authority, shaping the landscape of federal governance for years to come.