The Playbook Podcast The Supreme Court’s power play
Dec 8, 2025
The podcast dives into the Supreme Court's upcoming decisions, spotlighting Trump v. Slaughter, which questions the president's ability to reshape independent agencies. The hosts explore the unitary executive theory and the administration's arguments for increased control. They also discuss potential outcomes and past precedents that might influence the Court's decision. Additionally, the conversation touches on Trump's recent comments about Ukraine peace negotiations and the impact of his influence on defense spending and political dynamics.
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Court Case Could Rework Executive Power
- The Supreme Court is hearing Trump v. Slaughter to decide whether the president can remove members of independent agencies like the FTC at will.
- A ruling for Trump would overturn nearly a century of precedent and expand presidential control over the executive branch.
Unitary Executive Theory Drives Remake Push
- The administration advances a unitary executive theory that the president should control independent agencies and remove their leaders.
- Officials like Russ Vought have been intellectual stewards pushing that legal and policy argument.
Court's Track Record Favors Executive Deference
- POLITICO reporters think the Supreme Court may side with Trump given recent tendencies to defer to executive authority.
- That judicial pattern makes a pro-presidential outcome plausible in this removal dispute.