Supreme Court Term: Key Cases on Birthright Citizenship, Mail-in Ballots, Executive Power
Key Questions
What was the key ruling in Slaughter v. FTC?
The Supreme Court overturned Humphrey's Executor, allowing presidents to remove FTC commissioners at will. This expands White House control over independent agencies while carving out an exception for the Federal Reserve.
How does the Trump v. Cook decision affect the Federal Reserve?
It preserves the Fed's independence on banking grounds despite the broader shift in agency oversight. Analysts note the exception may be historically weak and internally inconsistent.
What did the Court decide regarding TPS for Haitians and Syrians?
The Supreme Court greenlit deportation of approximately half a million individuals under Temporary Protected Status. This aligns with broader executive power expansions in immigration enforcement.
What changes were made to campaign finance limits?
The Court loosened restrictions, reducing regulatory barriers on political spending. This was part of multiple landmark rulings issued during the term.
What paradox does the analysis identify in the new executive power rulings?
The president gains more direct control over agencies but may face reduced effective power due to institutional constraints and politicized processes. Chief Justice Roberts balanced these outcomes by protecting the Fed while ending prior protections.
Supreme Court issued landmark rulings: Slaughter v. FTC overturns Humphrey's Executor, allowing presidential removal of FTC commissioners; Trump v. Cook preserves Fed independence on banking grounds; also greenlit deportation of half a million Haitians and Syrians under TPS, and loosened campaign finance limits. Analysis reveals a paradox: the president gains more control over agencies but potentially less effective power due to institutional constraints. Chief Justice Roberts threaded the needle by overturning Humphrey's Executor while carving out the Fed. New legal analysis argues the Fed exception is historically weak and internally inconsistent. A compliance-focused analysis emphasizes how removal power will politicize investigations, with EEOC examples. The ruling's impact on FERC and NRC is debated, and the ADF applauded the end of a lawsuit challenging presidential removal of EEOC commissioners. Senator Whitehouse published a sharp op-ed attacking the decision as pro-corruption. Other pending cases include birthright citizenship, transgender athletes, mail-in ballot deadlines, executive power. Multiple decisions pending.