Supreme Court allows Trump’s firing of FTC commissioner, for now

In a recent development, the Supreme Court has granted President Donald Trump the authority to dismiss a member of the Federal Trade Commission, marking a significant step towards reevaluating a pivotal ruling on executive power.

Chief Justice John Roberts issued a concise order stating that FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, who was appointed by President Biden, should remain relieved of her duties for the time being as the Supreme Court continues to review her case. This decision comes after Slaughter has faced a series of legal challenges regarding Trump’s decision to terminate her employment at will.

The legal saga surrounding Slaughter’s dismissal has been a rollercoaster ride, with a district court initially reinstating her, only for her to be fired once again through the appeals process. Despite being allowed to return to work temporarily, Slaughter has faced a tumultuous journey in her attempts to challenge Trump’s actions.

Trump’s decision to dismiss Slaughter and another Democratic-appointed commissioner, Alvaro Bedoya, has raised concerns as it contradicts the FTC Act, which specifies that commissioners can only be removed for cause, such as misconduct, during their seven-year terms. This move also contradicts a longstanding Supreme Court ruling from 90 years ago in Humphrey’s Executor v. United States, which deemed President Roosevelt’s firing of an FTC commissioner as unlawful.

The ongoing legal battle surrounding Slaughter’s dismissal poses a significant question to the Supreme Court on whether they intend to uphold or revise the Humphrey’s Executor ruling. With the current conservative majority on the bench, legal experts have speculated about the potential for a shift in the interpretation of executive power.

As the legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how this case will impact the broader landscape of executive authority and the independence of regulatory agencies. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

For more news on legal affairs and the Justice Department, be sure to follow Ashley Oliver, a reporter for Fox News Digital and FOX Business. You can reach out to her with story tips at ashley.oliver@fox.com.