Court Expands

• Liberal Supreme Court justices issued a blistering dissent against a ruling that expands the president's authority to fire regulators, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor comparing the power to that of the "English crown." • The decision sparks concerns over the independence of federal agencies, though Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook emphasized that the central bank must remain free from political interference to ensure sound economic stewardship. • In a separate victory for Democrats, the Court ruled in Watson v. Republican National Committee that ballots mailed on time can be counted even if they arrive after Election Day.

• The Supreme Court issued twin rulings clarifying the extent of President Trump's authority to remove independent regulators from their positions. • The Court ruled that the President may fire certain independent regulators for any reason, significantly expanding executive power over administrative agencies. • However, the justices affirmed the independence of the Federal Reserve, ruling that its governors cannot be dismissed at will.

• The Supreme Court ruled on Monday that removal protections for members of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are unconstitutional. • This decision overturns a 90-year-old legal precedent that previously allowed Congress to shield officials in independent agencies from being fired by the president at will. • The ruling significantly expands presidential power by granting the executive branch greater authority to remove agency leaders.