Supreme Court to Reconsider Ruling Limiting Presidential Power Over Independent Agencies
The Supreme Court is set to reconsider a 90-year-old decision, Humphrey's Executor, which limits the president's power to remove heads of independent agencies without cause. This case, involving the firing of Rebecca Slaughter from the Federal Trade Commission, could overturn the precedent that has historically restricted executive authority. The court's conservative majority, led by Chief Justice John Roberts, has been gradually expanding presidential powers, allowing President Trump to dismiss several agency heads. The case challenges the unitary executive theory, which posits that the president should have complete control over the executive branch, including the power to fire agency leaders at will.