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D.C. Circuit Says President Can Oust NLRB and MSPB Members Despite Statutory Limits

The 2–1 decision classifies the boards’ authority as executive power, undercutting long‑standing for‑cause limits on removing their members.

Overview

  • Judges Gregory Katsas and Justin Walker formed the majority, with Judge Florence Y. Pan dissenting that the ruling imperils the independence of multimember agencies.
  • The case centers on President Trump’s removal of NLRB member Gwynne Wilcox and MSPB member Cathy Harris before their terms expired.
  • The majority concluded the NLRB and MSPB wield substantial executive power, distinguishing them from the quasi‑legislative or quasi‑judicial bodies protected by Humphrey’s Executor and citing Seila Law.
  • The opinion noted the government did not allege for‑cause misconduct by Wilcox or Harris, emphasizing that the lawsuit challenged the constitutionality of the removal restrictions themselves.
  • UPI reported the ruling overturns earlier contrary decisions and that Wilcox’s ouster left the NLRB without a quorum to issue decisions.