The Supreme Court signaled Monday it may give President Donald Trump broad authority to fire members of independent federal agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission.
Breaking: Supreme Court appears poised to broaden the president's power, siding with Trump on firing agency heads. https://t.co/0QdnTy7UOe
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) December 8, 2025
The case, Trump v. Slaughter, stems from Trump’s removal of Democratic FTC commissioners Rebecca Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya earlier this year.
Conservative justices questioned whether the long-standing 1935 Humphrey’s Executor precedent — which bars presidents from firing commissioners without cause — still makes sense when agencies like the FTC wield far more power than they did nearly a century ago.
Breaking news: The Supreme Court appeared poised to allow President Trump to fire a leader of the FTC, a ruling that could limit or overturn a 90-year-old precedent that curbs executive power to dismiss the heads of agencies set up to be independent. https://t.co/E7g7ZxoZ7o
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) December 8, 2025
Justice Brett Kavanaugh warned that once Congress limits presidential authority, it is “very hard to get it back.” Chief Justice John Roberts echoed that the precedent may no longer fit modern governance.
Supreme Court Examines Trump's Authority Over Independent Agencies
— NTD (@NTD_Live) December 8, 2025
The case involves former FTC commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, whom President Trump removed in March. pic.twitter.com/R9rEJ5MpbT
Liberal justices pushed back sharply, arguing that independent agencies have deep historical roots and protect Americans from excessive executive power.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor said overturning the precedent would “destroy the structure of government.” A ruling is expected by June.
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TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
