U.S. President Donald Trump has welcomed a landmark Supreme Court decision that significantly expands presidential authority over independent federal regulatory agencies, describing the judgment as a major constitutional victory for the executive branch.

In a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court held that the president has the authority to remove members of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) without the longstanding restrictions established under the 1935 Humphrey’s Executor precedent. The decision overturns nearly a century of legal doctrine that protected commissioners of independent regulatory agencies from dismissal without cause.

Reacting to the ruling, Trump said:

“This is a GREAT day for the Constitution and for Presidential Power.”

He added:

“The Supreme Court has restored the President’s rightful authority to manage the Executive Branch and ensure accountability to the American people.”

Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, concluded that the FTC exercises executive authority and therefore falls under presidential supervision, making statutory restrictions on the president’s removal power unconstitutional. However, the Court emphasized that its decision does not extend to the Federal Reserve, whose unique structure remains protected under existing law.

The ruling stems from Trump’s dismissal of Democratic FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, who challenged her removal in court. The decision is expected to reshape the balance of power between the White House and several independent regulatory agencies.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, writing for the dissenting justices, sharply criticized the majority’s decision, warning:

“The Court hands the President the keys to institutions Congress deliberately designed to be independent.”

She argued that the ruling weakens longstanding constitutional safeguards intended to prevent excessive concentration of executive power.

Legal experts say the judgment represents one of the most consequential Supreme Court decisions on executive authority in decades, with potential implications for the independence of several federal agencies. Supporters argue it strengthens presidential accountability, while critics contend it risks increasing political influence over bodies traditionally insulated from partisan control.