Supreme Court hears arguments today in dispute over TRUMP's power to fire FTC commissioner

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 -The Supreme Court heard arguments on Monday in a landmark case that could redefine the limits of presidential power over independent federal agencies. The dispute centers on whether Donald Trump had the constitutional authority to remove Federal Trade Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter without cause, despite long-standing precedent that shields commissioners from political dismissal. 

Under federal law, members of the FTC can only be removed for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office — a protection rooted in a nearly century-old Supreme Court decision.

During oral arguments, several conservative justices signaled a willingness to weaken or overturn that precedent. The administration’s legal team argued that the old framework no longer fits the modern FTC, which now wields significant executive-like authority. 

Chief Justice John Roberts noted that the agency today operates very differently than it did when the original protections were established. Liberal justices, however, warned that stripping away removal limits would politicize independent agencies and give presidents unchecked power over regulators tasked with enforcing consumer protection, competition rules, and other critical oversight functions.

A final decision, expected by mid-2026, is likely to reshape the structure of the federal government. A ruling in Trump’s favor would dramatically expand presidential control over independent agencies, potentially allowing future administrations to fire commissioners at will. 

A decision upholding the current rules would preserve long-standing safeguards designed to keep regulatory bodies insulated from political pressure. For now, the Court’s direction is uncertain, but the implications for the balance of power in Washington are enormous.