By Gizem Nisa Demir
ISTANBUL (AA) -The Trump administration has asked the US Supreme Court to decide whether presidents can remove members of independent federal agencies without cause, Fox News reported Thursday.
The case stems from President Donald Trump’s attempt earlier this year to fire Federal Trade Commission (FTC) member Rebecca Slaughter, which lower courts blocked, saying the law only permits removal for misconduct or neglect of duty.
An appeals court also ruled the firing violated Supreme Court precedent.
The Justice Department argued the FTC, created by Congress to enforce consumer protection and antitrust laws, falls under executive control.
A ruling in Trump’s favor could overturn the landmark 1935 Humphrey’s Executor decision, which established independence for regulators overseeing labor, broadcasting, and other key sectors.
Slaughter, first appointed by Trump in 2018 and reappointed by former President Joe Biden, is currently the FTC’s only Democrat.
Her case, marked by repeated firings and reinstatements, comes as justices have already expanded presidential removal powers for other agencies and may soon face similar questions involving the Federal Reserve.