US Supreme Court Expands Presidential Authority in Major Ruling, Backs Trump on Agency Firings

The Supreme Court of the United States has significantly expanded the powers of the US President by ruling that the White House can remove the heads of most independent federal agencies without having to establish cause, marking a major legal victory for President Donald Trump.

In a 6-3 decision, the court overturned the 1935 precedent established in Humphrey’s Executor, which had limited a president’s authority to dismiss leaders of independent regulatory agencies except for specified reasons. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, said such statutory protections were inconsistent with the Constitution’s separation of powers, strengthening the President’s control over the executive branch.

The ruling arose from a legal challenge involving Rebecca Slaughter, who was removed from the Federal Trade Commission by President Trump despite legal provisions protecting commissioners from dismissal without cause. The judgment is expected to affect several independent agencies, including the National Labor Relations Board, the Merit Systems Protection Board and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The court, however, carved out an exception for the Federal Reserve, allowing Governor Lisa Cook to remain in office while her legal challenge to President Trump’s attempt to remove her proceeds. The majority observed that permitting her immediate removal could undermine the long-standing independence of the central bank.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, writing for the dissent, warned that the decision grants the President greater authority than ever before and could weaken institutional checks and balances. She argued that the ruling risks increasing executive influence over agencies intended to function independently of political pressure.

President Trump welcomed the judgment, calling it a historic affirmation of presidential authority. Legal experts said the decision is likely to reshape the balance of power between the executive branch and independent federal agencies, with implications extending well beyond the current administration.