Recent comments by the U.S. Supreme Court's justices suggest they want to protect the Federal Reserve's independence even as they hand President Trump more power over other parts of the government. Here’s what to know:
FTC case could reshape presidential authority
After oral arguments last week, the justices are expected to strike down limits on removing FTC commissioners, potentially overturning a 90-year-old precedent and expanding presidential control over independent agencies. Read more about those arguments here.
Fed independence in the spotlight
While signaling support for Trump’s position in the FTC case, the court appeared wary of granting similar authority over the Federal Reserve. A separate challenge involving Fed Governor Lisa Cook raises concerns about politicizing monetary policy. The court will hear those arguments on January 21.
Legal experts predict a ‘Fed carveout’
Court observers expect the court to craft an exception for the Fed, though scholars question whether such a carveout has a sound constitutional basis. Jan Wolfe has more on that here.
