The Supreme Court ruled 6–3 in Trump v. Slaughter that President Trump could remove Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter, overturning the older Humphrey’s Executor rule that had protected some independent agency officials from removal except for cause. The ruling gives the president more direct control over agencies that enforce rules on competition, labor, finance, consumer protection, and public safety. Supporters of stronger presidential control say agencies exercise executive power and should answer to the elected president. Critics warn that independent agencies were designed to make some enforcement decisions less partisan and more stable across administrations. The president should not be powerless over agencies, but a total swing toward political control could make enforcement feel like it changes every election.
Where should the line be drawn on presidential control of independent federal agencies?