The Supreme Court of the United States looks poised to side with Donald Trump in a major test of presidential power, as it considers whether he was within his rights to dismiss Rebecca Slaughter from the Federal Trade Commission before her term expired. This case could reshape the balance between the presidency and independent federal agencies.
At the heart of the dispute is a nearly 90-year-old precedent known as Humphrey’s Executor v. United States, which has long protected officials serving on independent regulatory bodies from being removed “without cause.” The Trump administration argues that the precedent is outdated and that the president should have authority to remove commissioners who execute executive functions—regardless of the traditional protections.
During oral arguments, conservative justices signalled scepticism of the century-old rule. Chief Justice John Roberts described the precedent as a “dry husk,” hinting at willingness to curb longstanding removal protections. Meanwhile, the court’s liberal justices warned that a ruling in Trump’s favor could erode the independence of agencies tasked with regulating everything from consumer safety to financial markets.
If the court rules in favour of the administration, it could trigger a cascade of changes — allowing presidents broader power to fire agency leaders, reducing tenure protections, and potentially altering the structure of dozens of independent boards. The decision is expected in mid-2026.
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