Trump's Terms Supreme Court justices appear likely to side with president in FTC firing case
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Dec 9, 2025 The Supreme Court is tackling a pivotal case about presidential power over independent agencies like the FTC. Conservative justices are leaning towards allowing the president to fire officials, sparking debates about accountability and independence. The implications of this ruling could significantly reshape control over regulatory bodies, including the Federal Reserve. The discussion highlights the tension between executive power and agency autonomy, raising questions about the future of regulatory independence.
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Court Weighs Presidential Removal Power
- The Supreme Court heard whether the president can remove members of independent agencies despite statutes limiting removal.
- Andrea Hsu reports conservatives signaled support for expanding presidential removal power over agencies like the FTC.
Factor Agency Structure Into Policy Analysis
- Recognize that many regulatory agencies have multi-member boards insulated by for-cause removal protections.
- Account for those structural protections when assessing how presidential authority interacts with agency independence.
Conservatives Cite A Power Vacuum
- Conservative justices expressed concern that separation of powers has become murky without presidential control of agencies.
- Solicitor General John Sauer argued agency independence creates a "power vacuum" unanswerable to voters.