The startling new Supreme Court ruling no one is talking about [View all]

Austin Weatherford

Late this week, the Supreme Court made a huge decision that affects how our government works but hasn’t been getting enough attention.

What happened?

It decided that the President can fire leaders of important independent agencies without needing any reason at all. These independent agencies—like the Federal Election Commission (FEC), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and even the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)—exist specifically to protect all Americans by staying free from political influence.

These agencies act like watchdogs, keeping an eye on powerful government officials, big companies, and political groups to ensure they play fair. They make sure our elections aren't rigged, our internet and media remain open and fair, and protect us from shady business practices. Until now, these agencies were meant to be insulated from politics, ensuring their decisions were based on facts and fairness, not political pressure.

Why this matters

Justice Elena Kagan and two other justices strongly disagreed with the Court's ruling. In her powerful dissent, Kagan explained that giving the President so much control to fire these watchdogs is extremely risky. It means the President can now get rid of anyone who challenges their decisions or stands in their way. Justice Kagan warned that the Court moved too quickly, without considering how this decision could damage our democracy and lead to fewer checks and balances.


https://www.brightamerica.org/p/the-startling-new-supreme-court-ruling