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4w ago

Supreme Court Temporarily Allows Trump to Fire Independent Agency Officials

Chief Justice John Roberts issued an administrative stay, enabling the firings of two Democratic appointees while the broader constitutional challenge proceeds.

The headquarters of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is seen in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 15, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo
Construction scaffolding is in place at the Supreme Court Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)
The seal of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is seen at their headquarters in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 14, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo

Overview

  • The Supreme Court, through Chief Justice John Roberts, temporarily blocked lower court rulings that reinstated two independent agency officials fired by President Trump.
  • The officials, Gwynne Wilcox of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and Cathy Harris of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), had argued their terminations violated statutory protections and legal precedent.
  • The Trump administration contends that statutory 'for-cause' removal protections for independent agency members are unconstitutional and has asked the Court to overturn the 1935 Humphrey’s Executor precedent.
  • The firings have disrupted the operations of the NLRB and MSPB, threatening the quorums needed for the agencies to function effectively.
  • The Court has requested further briefing by April 15, with the potential for a broader ruling on presidential removal powers and the independence of federal agencies.