"Slaughter is one of five FTC commissioners who are each appointed to seven-year terms. Historically, the FTC, established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914, has had a balance of Democratic and Republican commissioners and has aimed to regulate trade, prevent unfair business practices, and enforce antitrust legislation, in a generally evenhanded and non-partisan manner. In March, Trump summarily fired Slaughter and the other Democrat on the commission, saying in a terse email that their ongoing employment was "inconsistent with the Administration's priorities.""
"A view of the rear side of the U.S. Supreme Court as the court hears arguments in the case over Donald Trump's dismissal of Federal Trade Commission commissioner Rebecca Slaughter in Washington, D.C., on December 8, 2025. The case is being closely watched due to its broader implications concerning the president's powers to fire the heads of independent government agencies. Jim WATSON / AFP via Getty Images"
The Supreme Court heard arguments in Trump v. Slaughter about President Trump's firing of FTC commissioner Rebecca Slaughter without cause. Slaughter contends that Congress established the FTC to be insulated from presidential pressure and that the firing exceeded presidential authority. The FTC has five commissioners with seven-year terms and a history of bipartisan balance while enforcing trade and antitrust laws. In March, Trump fired Slaughter and another Democratic commissioner, calling their employment inconsistent with Administration priorities. Several other targeted agency officials filed lawsuits, lower courts pushed back, and the Supreme Court allowed the firings temporary effect while deliberations continue, with a decision expected in June or July.
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