US Supreme Court Expands Trump's Power Over Federal Agencies

The U.S. Supreme Court has delivered a landmark ruling that significantly expands President Donald Trump's authority over independent federal agencies. In a 6-3 decision, the court upheld Trump's dismissal of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, overturning a legal precedent that had protected such officials from being removed without cause since 1935.

The ruling marks a major shift in the balance of power between the White House and independent regulatory agencies. The court concluded that the modern FTC exercises substantial executive authority, giving the president broader constitutional power to remove its officials. However, the justices clarified that the decision does not automatically apply to institutions such as the Federal Reserve, which has a distinct legal framework.

Rebecca Slaughter, a Democratic commissioner appointed during the Biden administration, challenged her removal after Trump dismissed her in 2025. Lower courts had previously ruled in her favor by citing longstanding legal protections, but the Supreme Court reversed those decisions, effectively ending the nearly 91-year-old precedent established in Humphrey's Executor v. United States.

The decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for the structure of the U.S. government and future presidential administrations. Supporters argue it strengthens executive accountability, while critics warn it could weaken the independence of federal agencies designed to operate free from political influence.