Federal Appeals Court Rules Rebecca Slaughter Can Stay at FTC Amid Legal Battle Over Presidential Powers

A federal appeals court has ruled that Rebecca Slaughter, a member of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) appointed by President Joe Biden, can remain in her position. The ruling is a major development in the ongoing legal dispute over whether U.S. presidents can dismiss commissioners from independent agencies without cause—a conflict that began under former President Donald Trump.

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What Happened in the Court Ruling?

A three-judge panel in Washington, D.C. ruled 2–1 in favor of Slaughter, siding with a lower court decision that declared her dismissal by the Trump administration unlawful.

The court emphasized long-standing Supreme Court precedent, which protects the tenure of independent agency commissioners from removal without cause. The panel also noted that the government is unlikely to succeed in further appeals.

Slaughter, who had been controversially removed by Trump in 2020, was initially reinstated by Judge Lauren Alkan. However, her restoration was placed on hold until the appeals court issued this ruling, solidifying her return to the FTC.

Who Is Rebecca Slaughter?

Rebecca Slaughter has been a member of the FTC since 2018. She is widely recognized for her legal expertise in consumer protection and antitrust law. Throughout her tenure, she has focused on holding corporations accountable and ensuring fair competition in the marketplace.

Her role at the FTC has gained even greater attention as concerns about Big Tech, monopolies, and corporate power continue to grow in the United States.

Background and Timeline of the Case

The controversy dates back to 2020, when then-President Donald Trump attempted to remove Slaughter from the FTC, sparking a legal fight over the extent of presidential authority.

• 2020: Trump dismisses Slaughter, citing executive authority.
• Lower Court Ruling: Judge Alkan reinstates Slaughter, declaring the dismissal unlawful.
• Appeals Process: The Justice Department argued that the president should have broad powers to manage independent agencies.
• 2025: The appeals court upholds the lower court decision, reinforcing protections for commissioners.

The debate centers on whether presidents should have unilateral power over independent agencies, or whether commissioners deserve stronger job protections to ensure nonpartisan oversight.

Public and Social Media Reaction

The decision has sparked significant public debate.

• Supporters of Slaughter praised the ruling as a safeguard for independent agencies, protecting them from political interference.
• Critics argue that it restricts presidential power, potentially undermining the executive branch’s ability to manage regulatory bodies.
• Legal analysts note that the outcome could have sweeping implications for the balance of power between the presidency and independent federal agencies.

Official Statements and What Comes Next

Following the ruling, Rebecca Slaughter expressed optimism, saying she is eager to continue her work protecting consumers and promoting competition.

The Department of Justice, however, signaled plans to appeal the case—either to the full appeals court or potentially to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The high court could ultimately decide the question of whether presidents have unrestricted authority to dismiss commissioners, a ruling that would reshape the structure of independent agencies across the government.

Conclusion

The appeals court decision allowing Rebecca Slaughter to remain at the FTC represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle between presidential power and agency independence. While the ruling reinforces long-standing legal protections for commissioners, it also sets the stage for a potential Supreme Court showdown. The outcome could have lasting consequences for the future of U.S. governance and the balance of power between the executive branch and regulatory institutions.