US supreme court hears arguments over Trump’s power to fire FTC member

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by ReutersDecember 8, 2025 at 04:56 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

The US Supreme Court heard arguments regarding Donald Trump's authority to fire a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) member, a case that could significantly expand presidential power. The case stems from Trump's attempt to dismiss FTC member Rebecca Slaughter before her term expired. The Justice Department argues that independent agencies like the FTC lack sufficient oversight and accountability, advocating for overturning a 1935 precedent protecting agency heads from removal. Conservative justices seemed receptive to this argument, while liberal justices expressed concern about the potential risks to the independence of such agencies. The ruling could reshape the structure of government and the power of the executive branch over independent agencies.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United States ×250% Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ×360% Amy Coney Barrett ×270% Donald Trump ×480%

Keywords

supreme court 100% independent agencies 80% executive power 80% presidential power 70% ftc 70% donald trump 60% separation of powers 60% legal precedent 50% judicial review 50% administrative state 40%