Judge rules Trump lacked authority to fire CPSC members, orders reinstatement

A federal judge in Maryland has made a significant ruling in favor of three Democratic members of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) who were fired by President Donald Trump. U.S. District Judge Matthew Maddox, a Biden appointee, deemed the firings of Mary Boyle, Alexander Hoehn-Saric, and Richard Trumka Jr. as unlawful and ordered their immediate reinstatement to their positions on the board.

The ruling comes amidst a broader debate over the extent of the president’s authority to remove members of independent agencies. The decision by Judge Maddox underscores the importance of the tenured design and protection of the CPSC board, which does not interfere with Trump’s executive powers under Article II of the U.S. Constitution.

This ruling is a setback for Trump, especially in light of the recent Supreme Court decision to uphold the removal of two Democratic appointees from other federal boards. In those cases, the Supreme Court allowed the firings to proceed while the legal challenges were ongoing. However, Judge Maddox argued that the Trump administration failed to provide valid reasons for the removal of the CPSC members, as required by law.

The decision paves the way for the reinstatement of the three members to their positions, pending any appeals by the Trump administration. The case highlights the ongoing legal battles over the president’s authority to remove members of independent boards, particularly in light of the landmark Supreme Court decision in Humphrey’s Executor.

Overall, the ruling by Judge Maddox underscores the importance of upholding the independence of federal agencies and ensuring that the removal of board members is justified and lawful. The decision sets an important precedent for future cases involving the executive branch’s authority over independent agencies and underscores the critical role of the judiciary in safeguarding the separation of powers in government.