The article centers on the Supreme Court case Trump v. Wilcox, focusing on whether the president can fire the heads of independent agencies without cause. The outcome could significantly affect President Trump’s ability to remove Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.
The case challenges the Humphrey’s Executor precedent, which restricts presidential removal of independent agency heads to specific grounds. A ruling against Humphrey’s Executor could grant the president broader removal powers.
Chairman Powell expressed skepticism that Trump v. Wilcox would apply to the Federal Reserve, highlighting the importance of the Fed's independence. He warned about potential economic consequences of tariffs, predicting stagflation.
Despite previous statements, President Trump has reiterated his desire to remove Powell, prompting concerns about market instability. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly cautions against such a move.