Appeals court reinstates fired Democratic FTC commissioner

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September 3, 2025, 12:45 PM

• •A federal appeals court ruled that Rebecca Kelly Slaughter can resume her role as an FTC commissioner.
• •Slaughter was previously fired by President Trump, leading to a lawsuit and a ruling for her reinstatement.
• •The appeals court's decision, with Obama appointees favoring Slaughter and a Trump appointee dissenting, cited Supreme Court precedent preventing presidential removal without cause.
• •Slaughter is set to return to work, while her fellow Democratic commissioner resigned.

A federal appeals court has ruled in favor of reinstating Rebecca Kelly Slaughter as an FTC commissioner, reversing a previous decision by President Trump to fire her. The court's decision, supported by Obama-appointed judges, cited a Supreme Court precedent that limits a president's power to remove FTC commissioners. Slaughter's reinstatement comes after a legal battle and is a victory for her, as she is set to return to her duties. This decision highlights the ongoing legal challenges and power dynamics within the government, particularly regarding the independence of federal agencies.

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