The Ultimate Triumph of the Unitary Executive
The Supreme Court ruled in Trump v. Slaughter that the president has the authority to remove members of independent regulatory commissions like the FTC at will. This decision effectively ends the long-standing precedent of protecting such commissioners from political termination, cementing the 'unitary executive theory.'
Why it matters
This ruling significantly expands presidential power over federal regulatory agencies, fundamentally altering the balance of power between the executive branch and independent oversight bodies.
A half century ago, a new and radical legal theory emerged. Now it is American law.
The framing of the 'triumph' of a 'radical legal theory' and the focus on the removal of Democratic appointees suggests a critical perspective on the court's shift.
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