Supreme Court to Review Dismissal of Former FTC Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter

Supreme Court to Hear Former FTC Commissioner's Case The Supreme Court has voted 6-3 to hear a lawsuit brought by former Federal Trade Commission (FTC) commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, who was fired from her post in March. The decision marks the next step in Slaughter's bid to contest her dismissal. Timeline of Events Slaughter and fellow Democrat Alvaro Bedoya were removed from their positions as commissioners by President Donald Trump in March. In July, US District Judge Loren AliKhan ruled in favor of Slaughter, allowing her to continue serving on the FTC. However, a federal appeals court reinstated her to the FTC in September after a brief period of being removed. Immediate Impact and Response The Supreme Court's decision to hear Slaughter's case means that her firing may stand while the justices consider her appeal. The move has significant implications for the balance of power at the FTC, which is designed to be an independent agency with a bipartisan membership. Background Context Slaughter and Bedoya claimed their dismissal was illegal due to the lack of "good cause" under federal law. They also pointed out that the Trump administration's actions would allow the FTC to have more than three commissioners from a single party, undermining its independence. What Happens Next The Supreme Court will now review Slaughter's case and issue a ruling on her appeal. The decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for the balance of power at the FTC and the role of presidential appointments in federal agencies. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Engadget reporting.*