Supreme Court’s Assault on Independent Agencies: A Dangerous Power Grab
The Supreme Court is set to hear the case of Trump v. Slaughter, which concerns President Trump’s request to fire independent agency officials at will, potentially dismantling the precedent set by Humphrey’s Executor. This case, driven by the “unitary executive theory,” aims to consolidate presidential power by removing protections for officials in agencies like the FTC and the Federal Reserve, impacting areas such as economic regulation and consumer safety. The outcome is expected to favor Trump, allowing the president more control and challenging the historical understanding of independent agencies. However, the court may make an exception for the Federal Reserve. This move is part of a larger conservative legal movement’s efforts to limit the power of agencies and reshape the balance of power.
John Q. Hosedrinker