The Supreme Court has taken a significant step towards allowing President Donald Trump to fire members of independent federal agencies without cause, a move that could have far-reaching implications for the structure of the US government.
The court's conservative-majority ruling appears poised to side with Trump in his dispute over the firing of FTC Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter. The agency's removal restrictions, which were enacted by Congress in 1914, state that members can only be removed for "inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office." However, the court has signaled that it will likely allow Trump to fire Slaughter while the litigation continues.
A ruling in Trump's favor would be a significant blow to the long-standing concept of independent federal agencies. It could also have repercussions for other agencies set up by Congress with similar removal restrictions, giving presidents greater authority over them. The justices have not ruled out imposing limits on the president's removal powers, especially when it comes to the Federal Reserve.
In oral arguments, conservative Justices Neil Gorsuch and John Roberts argued that the Humphrey's Executor v. United States ruling, which upheld the 1914 law, was "poorly reasoned" and should be overturned. They suggested that the FTC now exercises more executive power than in the past, making the president more accountable for its actions.
The court also faced criticism from liberal justices, who argued that allowing Trump to fire Slaughter would destroy the structure of government and undermine Congress's ability to protect its idea of an independent agency. However, it seems that the conservative majority is leaning towards a ruling that would give presidents greater authority over these agencies.
This case has significant implications for the broader movement to downsize federal agencies and limit their power. Trump's administration has been actively seeking to remake the government in this image, with plans to fire thousands of career federal employees and withhold Congress-approved spending he opposes.
The US Chamber of Commerce, a major business group, has backed the administration on this issue, while critics argue that such moves would undermine accountability and regulation, particularly when it comes to vital issues like consumer protection and antitrust enforcement.
The court's conservative-majority ruling appears poised to side with Trump in his dispute over the firing of FTC Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter. The agency's removal restrictions, which were enacted by Congress in 1914, state that members can only be removed for "inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office." However, the court has signaled that it will likely allow Trump to fire Slaughter while the litigation continues.
A ruling in Trump's favor would be a significant blow to the long-standing concept of independent federal agencies. It could also have repercussions for other agencies set up by Congress with similar removal restrictions, giving presidents greater authority over them. The justices have not ruled out imposing limits on the president's removal powers, especially when it comes to the Federal Reserve.
In oral arguments, conservative Justices Neil Gorsuch and John Roberts argued that the Humphrey's Executor v. United States ruling, which upheld the 1914 law, was "poorly reasoned" and should be overturned. They suggested that the FTC now exercises more executive power than in the past, making the president more accountable for its actions.
The court also faced criticism from liberal justices, who argued that allowing Trump to fire Slaughter would destroy the structure of government and undermine Congress's ability to protect its idea of an independent agency. However, it seems that the conservative majority is leaning towards a ruling that would give presidents greater authority over these agencies.
This case has significant implications for the broader movement to downsize federal agencies and limit their power. Trump's administration has been actively seeking to remake the government in this image, with plans to fire thousands of career federal employees and withhold Congress-approved spending he opposes.
The US Chamber of Commerce, a major business group, has backed the administration on this issue, while critics argue that such moves would undermine accountability and regulation, particularly when it comes to vital issues like consumer protection and antitrust enforcement.
like Rebecca Kelly Slaughter seems really cool btw did she have any idea she'd be in a super high-profile court case? 
and what's with the 1914 law? wasnt that like, ancient history? 
i mean im not saying it should get scrapped or anything but can we just modernize some stuff around here? 
, presidents think they can just fire anyone they don't like? no way! agencies are supposed to be independent so the president isn't in charge of everything. if trump gets his way, it's like he's trying to be a dictator or something... newsflash: you're not above the law, mr trumps! 
and what's next? firing judges too? no thanks! this is a huge step backwards for america's system of checks and balances 
Trump's about to get the power to fire anyone in an agency for no reason, what's next? 
A total overhaul of our system...not good 
Imo, this is super bad for democracy 
! Trump wants to fire ppl without reason 
, and that's a total no-no 
. It's like he thinks he's above the law 
. The FTC Commissioner is supposed to be independent 
, not just some pup on a string 
! This could ruin all the good work they do for consumers 
, that's gonna mess with the Fed too 
just heard about this ruling and i'm worried what's gonna happen to all these independent agencies they're supposed to be checking the president not doing their biddin now it looks like trump's gonna get to fire whoever he wants whenever he wants and that's a recipe for disaster 
. The Supreme Court's conservative majority is basically giving Trump a free pass to fire whoever he wants from independent agencies. That's not how democracy works, folks! It's like they're erasing the checks and balances that our system of government relies on.
. The idea of presidents having more control over independent agencies is super concerning for me 
. We need these agencies to regulate and hold power accountable, not have it all controlled by the president's whims 
. It feels like we're going backwards on checks and balances 
#NotGoodForTheCountry #AccountabilityMatters #TrumpAdministration
. What if it happens to someone who's doing a great job? They'll be out of a job in an instant 
. We need to make sure our government is working for everyone, not just those with power 
. And those business folks backing him? Just waiting to get their hands on even more profits at the expense of everyone else 
. I mean, if Trump gets the green light to fire agency heads willy-nilly, it's like, what's next? Does he get to pick the judges and the politicians too? 