Here & Now Anytime Supreme Court hears case that could give Trump more power
Dec 8, 2025
Kim Wehle, a law professor and former U.S. attorney, delves into the Supreme Court's consideration of presidential powers regarding the FTC commissioner. Bobbi-Jeanne Misick discusses the heightened immigration enforcement in New Orleans, highlighting community fears and the impact on local businesses. Alexandra Lange reflects on the late Frank Gehry's extraordinary legacy, exploring how his innovative use of everyday materials transformed modern architecture and left a lasting mark on the landscape.
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Presidential Removal Power Could Expand Vastly
- The Supreme Court case could let the president fire many executive-branch officials without cause, reshaping separation of powers.
- Kim Wehle warns this would concentrate vast regulatory and adjudicative power in the presidency and upend long-standing agency structures.
Unitary Executive Theory Is Central
- The case reflects the unitary executive theory which seeks near-total presidential control of the executive branch.
- Wehle links that theory to broader efforts to treat the presidency as the dominant branch, reducing checks and balances.
Congress Should Preserve Agency Checks
- Congress can and should use its legislative authority to design agencies and impose restraints to preserve balance.
- Wehle suggests preserving political accountability through congressional oversight rather than eliminating agency independence.