The US Supreme Court on Monday allowed Donald Trump to temporarily prevent Democratic commissioner Rebecca Slaughter from returning to her post at the Federal Trade Commission.
Chief Justice John Roberts issued an administrative stay, giving the court more time to consider Trump’s request to formally remove Slaughter before her term ends. Trump has argued that the president should have the authority to dismiss FTC commissioners at will, citing the agency’s expanded powers in modern times.
Lower courts had previously ruled against Trump’s effort. In July, a district judge blocked his attempt, saying federal law provides removal protections to ensure regulatory agencies remain independent of presidential control. The DC Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that ruling earlier this month, referencing a 1935 Supreme Court precedent that restricted a president’s power to remove FTC members for policy disagreements.
The case highlights a broader constitutional battle over presidential authority and the independence of federal agencies. The court’s eventual decision could reshape how much control presidents have over regulatory bodies such as the FTC.