Oral Argument: Trump v. Slaughter | Presidential Power Play

Trump v. Slaughter | Presidential Power Play : Trump's Total Takedown of Independent Agencies | Case No. 25-332 | Oral Argument Date: 12/8/25 | Docket Link: Here

Question Presented: Whether Congress can require the President to show cause before removing commissioners of independent agencies, or whether Article II grants the President absolute removal power over all executive officers.

Overview

President Trump removed FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter without cause, challenging the constitutional foundation of independent agencies. The Court confronts whether two dozen independent agencies that control $47 trillion in economic activity can maintain protection from at-will presidential removal.

Oral Advocates:

• For Petitioner (Trump): D. John Sauer, Solicitor General, Department of Justice.
• For Respondent (Slaughter): Amit Agarwal, Washington, D.C.

Link to Opinion: TBD.

Website Link to Opinion Summary: TBD.

Website Link to Oral Argument: TBD.

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Oral Argument Preview

[00:02:03] Oral Argument Begins

[00:02:11] Petitioner Opening Statement

[00:04:06] Petitioner Free for All Questions

[00:27:29] Petitioner Round Robin Questions

[01:05:33] Respondent Opening Statement

[01:08:00] Respondent Free for All Questions

[01:37:09] Petitioner Round Robin Questions

[02:29:03] Petitioner Rebuttal