Independent Agencies Archives

2 - Analysis / Constitutional Law / Constitutional Rights / Dead Reckoning / Judicial / Politics / Politics / Supreme Court / Supreme Court

The Court Keeps Choosing the Same Referee

June 30, 2026June 30, 2026 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The Supreme Court’s recent rulings reflect a trend of deference to political branches over judicial scrutiny. In cases involving federal agency independence and transgender athletes in sports, the Court prioritized legislative judgment over judicial fact-finding. This selective application of judicial restraint raises concerns about consistency in adjudicating contested factual questions across different contexts.

2 - Analysis / Constitutional Law / Dead Reckoning / Judicial / Lawfare & Intelligence / Laws / Politics / Politics / Politics & Power / Supreme Court / Supreme Court

They Built the Cage, Then Complained When Someone Else Got the Key

June 29, 2026June 29, 2026 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The Supreme Court’s recent ruling allows Donald Trump to dismiss independent agency commissioners at will, overturning a 90-year precedent. This shift exposes the political nature of such agencies, historically insulated to advance particular agendas. The decision reinforces presidential accountability, increasing the political stakes in agency actions and prioritizing electoral responsibility.

Executive / Federal / Federal Court / Government / Politics / Supreme Court / Supreme Court

The Middle-Ground Earthquake: How the Supreme Court’s Trump v. Slaughter Transcript Reveals a Quietly Radical Plan for the Administrative State

December 11, 2025December 11, 2025 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The Supreme Court’s deliberation in Trump v. Slaughter suggests a strategic ruling that may preserve the name of Humphrey’s Executor while limiting its impact. This could redefine agency independence and empower presidents to dismiss officials without judicial remedy, fundamentally altering the relationship between the presidency and administrative agencies, with significant long-term implications.

Constitutional Law / Federal Court / Judicial / Policy / Politics / Supreme Court

Trump v. Slaughter: The Supreme Court Case That Could Rewire Presidential Power — and America’s System of Administrative Justice Along With It

December 8, 2025December 8, 2025 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The Supreme Court case Trump v. Slaughter threatens the independence of various regulatory agencies by potentially overturning the precedent set by Humphrey’s Executor. The outcome could grant presidents at-will removal authority over agency commissioners, reshape administrative courts, and diminish judicial oversight, leading to increased regulatory uncertainty and political influence over enforcement actions.