Start Here SCOTUS Considers: Who Can the President Fire?
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Dec 9, 2025 Devin Dwyer, an ABC News senior Washington reporter, dives into the Supreme Court's potential to overturn a century-old precedent on presidential powers regarding independent agencies. Elizabeth Schulze sheds light on the intense streaming battle, detailing Paramount's hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery and the implications for consumers. Meanwhile, Eric Katursky reports from the courtroom on the Luigi Mangione case, revealing intriguing evidence of alleged escape plans tied to a CEO's murder. Intriguing discussions abound!
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Purpose Of Independent Agencies
- Independent agencies were created to provide bipartisan stability and regulatory consistency across administrations.
- Devin Dwyer explains presidents historically cannot remove many agency officials except for cause, preserving long-term rules for businesses.
Humphrey's Executor Under Challenge
- The court's 100-year precedent Humphrey's Executor protects agency independence by limiting removal to cause.
- The Trump administration urged the Supreme Court to overturn that precedent, arguing agencies exercise executive power.
Separation-Of-Powers Tension
- Conservatives argue presidents must control independent agencies as part of executive power and accountability.
- Liberals warn that allowing at-will removal would politicize agencies and erode regulatory stability, Kagan cautioned against a slippery slope.