Trump v. Slaughter
View Official PDFBelow are plain-language sections to help you understand what the Court decided in Trump v. Slaughter and why it matters. Quotes are taken from the syllabus (the Court’s short summary at the start of the opinion).
Summary
A short, plain-English overview of Trump v. Slaughter.
The Supreme Court ruled that the Federal Trade Commission's for-cause removal provision violates the separation of powers by restricting the President's ability to remove executive officers. The Court emphasized the necessity of the President's control over executive functions, overturning the precedent set by Humphrey’s Executor. The decision reaffirms the President's authority to remove officers who execute the law, ensuring accountability to the President and the public.
Holding
The single most important “bottom line” of what the Court decided in Trump v. Slaughter.
The Court held that the FTC’s for-cause removal provision is contrary to the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution.
Constitutional Concepts
These are the Constitution-related themes that appear in Trump v. Slaughter. Click a concept to see other cases that involve the same idea.
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Why Executive Power is relevant to Trump v. Slaughter
The case primarily addresses the President's authority to remove executive officers, which is a core aspect of executive power.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)The Constitution vests '[t]he executive Power' in a 'President of the United States of America' and instructs that he 'take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.' Art. II, §§1, 3.
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Why Appointments and Removals is relevant to Trump v. Slaughter
The case hinges on the President's ability to remove FTC Commissioners, which directly involves constitutional rules on appointments and removals.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)The President may remove his subordinates at will. Pp. 13–25.
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Why Administrative Law is relevant to Trump v. Slaughter
The decision impacts the structure and authority of the FTC, a regulatory agency, thus involving constitutional limits on agency authority.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)The FTC’s for-cause removal provision is contrary to the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution. Pp. 2–36.
Key Quotes
Short excerpts from the syllabus in Trump v. Slaughter that support the summary and concepts above.
The FTC’s for-cause removal provision is contrary to the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution.
The FTC unquestionably exercises executive power and must therefore be controlled by the Chief Executive.
Slaughter’s view is incompatible with our constitutional design.