Appeals court rules Trump can fire board members of independent agencies

Npr - Mar 28th, 2025
Open on Npr

In a significant legal win for the White House, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that President Trump can fire two Democratic members of independent agencies, declaring constitutional restrictions on the president's removal power unconstitutional. This 2-1 decision involves the cases of National Labor Relations Board Member Gwynne Wilcox and Merit Systems Protection Board Member Cathy Harris, both fired by Trump. The ruling is the first involving agencies led by multi-member boards since Trump took office, and it sets the stage for potential Supreme Court challenges.

The ruling's implications extend beyond the immediate firings, as it challenges the long-standing precedent set by the 1935 Humphrey's Executor decision, which limited presidential power over independent agencies. With the Supreme Court's current conservative supermajority already eroding this precedent, the decision raises concerns about the autonomy of agencies like the Federal Reserve. Legal experts worry that overturning Humphrey's Executor could lead to significant political and financial instability, as expressed in an amicus brief filed by law professors with the Supreme Court. The White House argues that executive accountability necessitates the president's ability to hire and fire at will, further intensifying the debate over executive power and agency independence.

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RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of a significant court decision affecting presidential authority and agency independence. It accurately presents the key facts and implications, though it could benefit from more detailed sourcing and transparency in explaining the legal context. The narrative is clear and timely, addressing a topic of considerable public interest and potential impact. While it presents a balanced view, incorporating more diverse perspectives and direct quotes could enhance its engagement and depth. Overall, the article effectively informs readers about a complex legal issue with significant implications for the balance of power within the federal government.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article presents a generally accurate account of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals' decision allowing President Trump to fire two Democratic members of independent agencies. It correctly identifies the agencies involved and the members affected, Gwynne Wilcox of the National Labor Relations Board and Cathy Harris of the Merit Systems Protection Board. The story accurately describes the historical context of the Humphrey's Executor precedent and its potential implications if overturned. However, the article could enhance its precision by clarifying the court's reasoning and the specific constitutional arguments involved. While the narrative aligns with the facts, some areas, such as the potential future impact on other agencies, would benefit from additional verification and context.

7
Balance

The article provides a balanced view by presenting both sides of the argument regarding the president's power to remove executive branch officers. It includes perspectives from the court's majority and dissenting opinions, as well as concerns from law professors about the potential implications for the Federal Reserve. However, the piece could improve by incorporating more viewpoints from the affected agencies or other legal experts to provide a broader range of perspectives. While it addresses the legal and historical context, the narrative leans slightly towards the implications of the court's decision, which could be perceived as emphasizing one side of the debate.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, concise language to convey complex legal concepts. It effectively outlines the key points of the court's decision and its potential implications. The narrative flows logically, making it easy for readers to follow the story. However, some legal terms and historical references may require additional context or explanation for readers unfamiliar with the subject matter.

6
Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, such as court rulings and opinions from judges, to support its claims. However, it does not explicitly cite any primary sources or direct quotes, which could enhance its credibility. The lack of named sources beyond the judges' opinions may limit the depth of the reporting. Incorporating interviews with legal experts or representatives from the affected agencies could provide additional authority and depth to the story.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear overview of the court's decision and its potential implications but lacks transparency in explaining the methodology behind the court's ruling. It does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that could influence the reporting. While the narrative is straightforward, it could benefit from more detailed explanations of the legal arguments and the historical context of the Humphrey's Executor precedent to enhance transparency.

Sources

  1. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/28/appeals-court-ruling-trump-independent-federal-agencies-00258300
  2. https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/appeals-court-rules-trump-fire-board-members-independent-120275443
  3. https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/federal-court-clears-way-for-trump-to-fire-2-independent-federal-board-members/