Supreme Court debates how much power presidents have over independent agencies
The US Supreme Court is reconsidering a rule from 1935 that limits presidents from firing leaders of independent agencies without a good reason.
The current case began after President Trump removed a Federal Trade Commissioner, an action challenged under rules requiring "cause" for removal.
Now, government lawyers are arguing that the president should have the freedom to remove top agency officials whenever they want, saying the old rule is outdated.
Why does this matter?
If the court sides with expanding presidential power, it could let future presidents control agencies like the EPA or FTC more directly—possibly making these watchdogs more political.
That would change how laws get enforced and could shake up how much independence these agencies really have, raising big questions about checks and balances in government.