Supreme Court Issues Major Rulings on Presidential Power to Remove Federal Officials, Overruling 1935 Precedent

The Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision in *Trump v. Slaughter*, ruled that restrictions on the President's ability to remove Federal Trade Commission (FTC) commissioners violate the separation of powers. The Court concluded that FTC commissioners exercise substantial executive authority and must be accountable to the President, expressly overruling the 1935 decision in *Humphrey's Executor v. United States*. In a separate 5-4 decision in *Trump v. Cook*, the Court left an injunction preventing the removal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook in place while litigation continues, suggesting the Federal Reserve may hold a unique constitutional position.