Supreme Court Allows Presidents to Fire Agency Regulators, Overturns 90-Year Precedent

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that President Donald Trump can fire a member of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) without cause. The decision overturns a long-standing legal precedent known as "Humphrey’s Executor." That 1935 precedent had protected leaders of independent agencies from being fired simply for political reasons. The Court’s new ruling gives future presidents more power over regulators like the FTC. The case began when Trump removed FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, a Democrat. She sued, arguing the law protected her job. The Supreme Court disagreed, saying the president has the authority to fire most federal officials. Legal experts say the ruling could reshape how independent agencies operate. Many such agencies oversee industries including banking, communications, and consumer safety. Critics worry the change will make regulators less independent from political pressure.