Key facts
- The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that President Donald Trump can fire leaders of independent agencies.
- This decision overturns the 1935 precedent set in Humphrey's Executor v United States.
- The case stemmed from the Trump administration's dismissal of FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter.
- The FTC is designed with bipartisan commissioners to ensure independence from political influence.
- Former officials expressed concern that the ruling could compromise agency independence.
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that President Donald Trump has the authority to remove leaders of independent agencies, overturning a nearly century-old precedent. The 6-3 decision in the case of Trump v. Slaughter ends the long-standing restriction on executive power regarding such appointments.
The case specifically addressed the White House's March 2025 dismissal of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) member Rebecca Slaughter. Trump terminated Slaughter via email, citing inconsistency with administration priorities. Slaughter subsequently sued, arguing her firing was without cause, and a lower court had initially sided with her, ordering her reinstatement.
The Trump administration appealed, seeking to overturn the 1935 Supreme Court ruling in Humphrey's Executor v. United States. That landmark decision had established that the president could not unlawfully fire members of the FTC, thereby limiting presidential control over independent agencies. The FTC, responsible for enforcing consumer protection and antitrust laws, is structured with five bipartisan commissioners to shield it from partisan politics.
Appeals judges had previously expressed skepticism about the administration's challenge, noting it would require defying established Supreme Court precedent. The Supreme Court granted a stay of the appeals court's order in September 2025, allowing the government to proceed with its appeal. Former government officials have warned that removing removal protections for agency leaders could jeopardize their independence, potentially making them hesitant to pursue regulatory or enforcement actions without White House approval for fear of termination.