US Supreme Court expands presidential firing power, limits Fed removal
7 reported
The US Supreme Court on Monday issued a series of rulings that dramatically expanded presidential power over independent federal agencies while limiting the president's authority over the Federal Reserve. In a 5-4 decision, the court rejected President Donald Trump's 2025 firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, ruling that Fed governors serve staggered 14-year terms and may be removed only "for cause." However, in a separate 6-3 ruling, the court upheld Trump's firing of Democratic Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter, overturning a 1935 precedent that had protected leaders of certain regulatory agencies from at-will presidential removal. The court also declined to hear Trump's bid to overturn a $5 million verdict in favor of E. Jean Carroll, after a jury found the president liable for sexual abuse and defamation. Trump celebrated the Slaughter ruling as a "BIG WIN" but criticized the Cook decision as "strictly procedural."
What’s reported
The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to reject Trump's 2025 firing of Fed Governor Lisa Cook.
The court ruled 6-3 to uphold Trump's firing of FTC member Rebecca Slaughter, overturning the 1935 Humphrey's Executor precedent.
Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh were among those who ruled against Trump's firing of Cook.
Trump fired Cook last August citing unproven mortgage fraud allegations, which she denied.
Trump fired Slaughter over policy differences; her term was due to run until 2029.
The Supreme Court declined to hear Trump's appeal of a $5 million verdict in favor of E. Jean Carroll.
A jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll; Trump called the lawsuit "a Fake Case."
Key figures
President Donald Trump
Lisa Cook, Federal Reserve Governor
Rebecca Slaughter, Federal Trade Commission member
Chief Justice John Roberts
Justice Brett Kavanaugh
E. Jean Carroll, former magazine columnist
Sources: dw.com
