Supreme Court Expands Presidential Power Over Agencies

The U.S. Supreme Court, led by a conservative majority, ruled without a detailed opinion to allow President Donald Trump to remove three Democratic members from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, reversing a lower court decision. This case was decided through the emergency or 'shadow' docket, drawing criticism for bypassing standard legal transparency. The decision challenges the longstanding Humphrey’s Executor precedent, which restricts presidential removal of independent agency officials without cause. Supporters argue the ruling bolsters executive authority, while critics warn it undermines agency independence and sets a precedent for similar actions in areas like immigration and federal spending. The Court's use of the emergency docket has sparked debate over the balance of power between the branches of government. Liberal justices have strongly dissented, emphasizing concerns about the future of independent federal oversight.