Independent-agency removal shield dismantled

Date: 2026-06-29
Entry type: court-ruling
Current status: Final Supreme Court judgment; reversed and remanded.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-03

After Trump removed Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter without invoking statutory cause, the Supreme Court invalidated the FTC's tenure protection and overruled what remained of Humphrey's Executor.

Entities and roles

Donald J. Trumpcommissioner remover and petitioner
FTC commissioner for-cause removal protectioninvalidated tenure protection

Claims and evidence

factreversed
The Supreme Court held the FTC's for-cause removal provision contrary to separation of powers, stated that anything more remaining of Humphrey's Executor was overruled, and reversed the judgment that had restored Rebecca Slaughter to office.
- Supreme Court of the United States: Trump v. Slaughter, 609 U.S. ___ (2026)Syllabus at 1-7; opinion at 25-36