During arguments, all six conservative justices suggested that any agency involved in rulemaking or law enforcement should fall fully under presidential authority
The Supreme Court on Monday indicated it is likely to broaden presidential control of independent federal agencies, expressing support for President Donald Trump’s firings of board members.
The case centers on Trump’s March decision to fire Democratic Federal Trade Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter over policy differences.
If the court decides to let Slaughter be permanently fired, it would overturn a 1935 landmark ruling, Humphrey’s Executor, and give presidents far more direct control over federal agencies that were designed to operate independently.
Humphrey’s Executor let Congress curb the president’s authority to fire independent agency heads.
During arguments in Trump v. Slaughter, all six conservative justices suggested that any agency involved in rulemaking or law enforcement should fall fully under presidential authority.
Justice Samuel Alito warned that the old structure let Congress sidestep the president.
The court’s three liberal justices pushed back, saying this shift would hand presidents “massive unchecked power” and allow them to replace experts with loyalists.
For now, the court has let Slaughter’s firing stand as it reviews her challenge.
Agencies overseeing consumer safety, markets, transportation, and elections could all be affected with a Trump win. The court will issue its decision by June 2026.