Chief justice allows Trump FTC removal
Chief Justice John Roberts allowed President Donald Trump to remove Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter, at least for now. The order came Monday as part of the Supreme Court’s emergency docket.
Trump first moved for the Trump FTC removal earlier this year. Slaughter sued, and lower courts reinstated her, ruling that commissioners can be removed only for misconduct or neglect of duty. Roberts’ decision halts those rulings while the legal fight continues.
Lawsuit continues over Trump FTC removal
The Justice Department argues the FTC and other executive agencies are under Trump’s control. They insist he has the authority to remove commissioners without cause. Slaughter’s lawsuit, however, continues, and Roberts asked her legal team to respond next week.
Lower courts had cited a 1935 ruling known as Humphrey’s Executor. That precedent limited presidential power to fire independent agency members. The new order suggests the court’s conservative majority may no longer follow that standard.
FTC and broader implications
The Federal Trade Commission regulates consumer protection and antitrust laws. Traditionally, its five seats include three members from the president’s party and two from the opposition. Slaughter has moved in and out of the role as the courts weighed her case.
The Trump FTC removal could reshape how independent agencies operate. Legal experts warn this may weaken agency independence and give presidents more direct control. The court may next face a similar test with the case of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.
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