Former FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter said she was profoundly disappointed after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled presidents may fire independent federal commissioners without cause.
The decision alters the legal protections of agencies designed to operate independently from political interference. By removing the requirement for "cause" in dismissals, the ruling grants the executive branch direct control over the personnel of regulatory bodies.
Slaughter, who was fired from her position, characterized the Court's decision as a "naked power grab by the President," she said. The former commissioner argued that the move undermines the stability, and impartiality of federal oversight.
In a separate interview, Slaughter addressed the legality of the action. "It is absolutely illegal," she said.
The ruling specifically addresses the authority of the president to remove commissioners from independent agencies. Critics of the decision argue that this expansion of power threatens the autonomy of agencies tasked with protecting consumers, and maintaining fair competition in the marketplace.
Slaughter's response follows the March 19, 2025, ruling that fundamentally shifted the balance of power between the executive branch and independent regulatory commissions. The decision ensures that commissioners can no longer rely on statutory protections to shield them from political dismissal.
“"Profoundly disappointed."”
This ruling removes a significant legal barrier that previously insulated independent regulatory agencies from direct presidential control. By allowing the removal of commissioners without cause, the judiciary has effectively shifted these agencies toward a more traditional executive structure, potentially making regulatory enforcement more susceptible to the political priorities of the sitting president.
