Federal Appeals Court Stacked with Obama Judges Reinstates Biden Appointee to FTC After President Trump Fired Her

A federal appeals court has decided to reinstate Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, a Democratic commissioner at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), after she was fired by President Donald Trump. This decision comes amid ongoing legal battles regarding the authority of the President to remove FTC commissioners.

1. Initial Firing by Trump

• President Trump fired Slaughter and another Democrat commissioner in March 2025, claiming his authority as head of the executive branch to ensure accountability.

• Andrew Ferguson, the Chairman of the FTC, backed Trump’s decision, emphasizing the importance of protecting consumers and promoting competition.

2. Slaughter’s Legal Challenge

• Following her dismissal, Slaughter, along with the other fired commissioner, filed a lawsuit to regain their positions.

• In July 2025, US District Judge Loren AliKhan ruled that Trump’s dismissal of Slaughter was illegal and ordered her reinstatement.

3. Appeals Court Decision

• The Trump Administration appealed Judge AliKhan's decision, which led to the recent ruling by the DC Circuit Court of Appeals.

• The three-judge panel, with a majority comprised of appointees from former President Obama, cited the Supreme Court’s 1926 decision in Humphrey’s Executor, indicating that the President cannot dismiss FTC commissioners without cause.

4. Judicial Opinions

• The judges stated that the Humphrey’s Executor case established limits on presidential powers regarding these firings, affirming Slaughter's right to her position.

• Judge Neomi Rao, an appointee of Trump, dissented, arguing that the court's ruling interferes with the President's exclusive powers and is a misinterpretation of his authority.

5. Impact of the Ruling

• The reinstatement of Slaughter not only reinforces the checks on presidential power regarding independent agencies but raises questions about future executive actions.

• The decision may lead to further debate on the limits of presidential power over independent regulatory agencies.

The appeals court’s ruling reinstates Rebecca Slaughter as an FTC commissioner, emphasizing that the President must have valid reasons for removing commissioners of independent agencies. This decision highlights the ongoing legal and political struggle regarding the balance of power between the executive branch and independent regulatory bodies in the U. S. 

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/09/just-federal-appeals-court-reinstates-biden-appointee-ftc/