U.S. Supreme Court expands presidential power to fire federal agency heads

The Supreme Court issued a 6‑3 ruling that overturns the long‑standing Humphrey's Executor precedent, allowing the president to remove heads of independent federal agencies without cause. The decision applies to bodies such as the Federal Trade Commission, Federal Communications Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission, fundamentally reshaping the balance of executive and regulatory authority.

The Court made an exception for Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, voting 5‑4 to let her remain in her position while she challenges the administration’s effort to dismiss her. Chief Justice John Roberts warned that allowing the president to fire a Fed governor at will would turn for‑cause protection into “little more than at‑will employment.”

President Donald Trump hailed the ruling on Truth Social, calling it “historic” and praising the Court for expanding presidential powers. Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented, warning that the decision could lead to "submission, instability, and even oppression."