Supreme Court Poised to Expand Presidential Power Over FTC

Breaking News: Supreme Court Appears Likely to Approve Trump's Firing of FTC Democrat The Supreme Court's conservative justices appear poised to overturn a 90-year-old precedent that restricts the president's power to fire Federal Trade Commission (FTC) members without cause. This ruling would grant President Trump significant authority over the FTC and potentially other independent agencies, such as the Federal Communications Commission. The case centers around former FTC Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, a Democrat, who was fired by Trump in March along with her Democratic colleague. Slaughter's lawsuit relies heavily on the 1935 ruling in Humphreys Executor v. United States, which stated that the president can only remove FTC commissioners for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. However, during yesterday's oral arguments, Chief Justice John Roberts expressed skepticism about the precedent, calling it a "dried husk" that no longer holds significant weight. The Supreme Court's decision would have far-reaching implications for the FTC and other independent agencies. If the ruling is upheld, it could lead to a significant shift in the balance of power between the executive branch and these agencies. The FTC, which is responsible for enforcing antitrust laws and protecting consumer rights, would likely face increased scrutiny and potential interference from the White House. The Supreme Court's conservative justices have been pushing to limit the power of independent agencies, and this ruling would be a significant victory for their efforts. The court's decision is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. In the background, the Supreme Court's conservative justices have been working to limit the power of independent agencies, which are designed to operate independently of the executive branch. The court's 2020 ruling in Seila Law v. FTC, which allowed the president to fire the FTC chairman without cause, has already eroded the precedent established in Humphreys Executor. As the Supreme Court deliberates, the stakes are high for the FTC and other independent agencies. If the ruling is upheld, it could have significant implications for the balance of power in Washington and the ability of these agencies to carry out their duties without interference from the White House.