US Supreme Court Expands Presidential Power to Fire Agency Heads

The US Supreme Court has significantly expanded presidential authority, ruling that the president can fire heads of independent federal agencies at will. This decision overturns a landmark 1935 precedent that had protected such officials from arbitrary removal.

In a 6-3 ruling, the court backed President Trump's dismissal of Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter, who was appointed by former President Joe Biden. Trump had cited policy differences for the firing. The ruling effectively grants presidents greater control over the executive branch, reversing a century of established practice.

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The Federal Reserve's governors 'do not serve at the president's pleasure, they instead serve staggered 14 year terms, and may be removed only 'for cause.'

However, the court drew a line at the Federal Reserve. In a 5-4 decision, it rejected Trump's attempt to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh were among those who ruled against the president, stating that Federal Reserve governors serve fixed terms and can only be removed 'for cause,' not at the president's pleasure.

Trump had publicly pressured the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates and had sought to remove Cook, citing unproven mortgage fraud allegations that she denied. Cook argued the allegations were a pretext for policy disagreements. The court's decision highlights a split in how it views the independence of different federal bodies, allowing greater presidential control over some while maintaining the independence of others.

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The court argued that the president cannot remove officials at the independent Fed 'for any reason or no reason.'