Supreme Court Weighs Trump's Controversial FTC Firing: A Test of Presidential Power

The U.S. Supreme Court is examining the legality of Donald Trump's firing of FTC member Rebecca Slaughter. This case challenges a New Deal-era precedent protecting independent agency leaders from dismissal without cause and tests the 'unitary executive' theory that allows presidential control over such agencies.

The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to deliberate on a consequential case concerning former President Donald Trump's controversial decision to dismiss Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter. This legal battle could redefine the limits of presidential authority, potentially overturning a longstanding precedent from the New Deal era.

The court's examination centers on the legality of Trump's actions, challenging a 1935 Supreme Court ruling that shields heads of independent agencies, like the FTC, from termination without cause. This precedent, stemming from Humphrey's Executor v. United States, has protected agency leaders from political interference for nearly a century.

At the heart of this case is the conservative 'unitary executive' theory, which posits that the president holds ultimate power over the executive branch. A ruling in favor of Trump could expand presidential influence over independent agencies, raising concerns among Democrats and antitrust advocates about diminishing checks on executive power.

(With inputs from agencies.)