Supreme Court to Review Trump Administration's Firing of Former FTC Commissioner

Supreme Court to Hear Former FTC Commissioner's Case The Supreme Court has voted 6-3 to hear a lawsuit brought by former US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, who was fired from her post in March. The court's decision allows the Trump administration's action to stand while it considers her case. Timeline and Details Slaughter, along with fellow Democrat Alvaro Bedoya, was dismissed from their positions as commissioners by President Donald Trump in March. They claimed their dismissal was illegal, citing a law that protects the FTC as an independent agency. A US District Judge ruled in favor of Slaughter in July, reinstating her to the FTC in September after a federal appeals court intervened. Immediate Impact and Response The Supreme Court's decision means that Slaughter will remain on leave from her position while the case is being heard. The move has sparked debate among lawmakers and experts about the implications for the FTC's independence and the role of presidential power. Background Context The controversy surrounding Slaughter's dismissal stems from a law that prohibits the FTC from having more than three commissioners from a single political party. With both Slaughter and Bedoya being Democrats, their removal allowed President Trump to appoint additional Republican members, potentially shifting the balance of power at the agency. What Happens Next The Supreme Court will now hear arguments in the case, with a decision expected to have significant implications for the FTC's independence and the limits of presidential power. The outcome may also set a precedent for future cases involving government appointments and removals. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Engadget reporting.*