Supreme Court Affirms Trumps Authority Over Executive Agencies, Preserves Fed Independence
3 minute readPublished: Friday, May 23, 2025 at 4:34 pm
Supreme Court Sides with Trump, Bolsters Presidential Power Over Agencies
In a significant decision, the Supreme Court has sided with President Donald Trump, allowing him to remove members of independent federal agencies without cause. This ruling, delivered in an unsigned emergency order, reinforces the President's authority over the executive branch and potentially reshapes the balance of power within the government.
The case, *Trump v. Wilcox*, involved challenges to Trump's dismissals of National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) member Gwynne Wilcox and Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) member Cathy Harris, both Biden appointees. The Court's decision allows these firings to stand while appeals proceed, signaling a likely affirmation of Trump's view that officials exercising executive power serve at the President's pleasure. The justices cited the Constitution, which vests executive power in the President, and allows for the removal of executive officers.
While the ruling doesn't overturn the 1935 *Humphreys Executor v. United States* precedent, which provided removal protections for some agency heads, the Court explicitly declined to reaffirm it, suggesting a willingness to revisit the issue. This decision follows a trend of recent Supreme Court rulings that have affirmed presidential control over the administrative state, including cases involving the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
The immediate impact of the ruling is significant. With Wilcox and Harris removed, the NLRB and MSPB lack the quorum needed to function. Furthermore, the decision strengthens Trump's position in ongoing efforts to restructure the federal bureaucracy, including initiatives to downsize the Department of Education and investigate misconduct within regulatory agencies. Legal challenges to these initiatives now face a higher hurdle.
However, the Court drew a clear line around the Federal Reserve, ensuring its independence. This carve-out, likely intended to maintain market confidence, distinguishes the Fed from conventional executive agencies due to its unique structure and historical tradition. Justice Kagan dissented, joined by two other justices, warning of the potential impact on established legal precedent.
BNN's Perspective: This ruling is a win for those who believe in a strong executive branch and a more streamlined government. While the decision could lead to increased political influence over independent agencies, the Court's careful distinction regarding the Federal Reserve suggests a recognition of the importance of maintaining stability in key areas. The long-term effects on agency independence and the balance of power will be worth watching.
Keywords: Supreme Court, Trump, Executive Agencies, Presidential Power, NLRB, MSPB, Federal Reserve, Agency Independence, Removal Power, Gwynne Wilcox, Cathy Harris, Administrative State, Article II, *Trump v. Wilcox*, Federal Bureaucracy, Jerome Powell, Justice Kagan, Dissent.