Trump v. Slaughter (2026)

Trump v. Slaughter was a SCOTUS in the Classroom case. It was decided on June 29, 2026.

In this case, the Supreme Court considered whether a law prohibiting the president from firing FTC commissioners without cause violates the principle of separation of powers.

Each term Street Law selects the most classroom-relevant, student-friendly cases as our SCOTUS in the Classroom cases. Teachers are encouraged to conduct moot courts the same week the case is argued, giving students the opportunity to follow discussion and analysis in the news and listen to or read a transcript of the actual oral arguments.

Case Issue:

Does the Federal Trade Commission Act violate the separation of powers between the branches of government? If so, should the precedent set in Humphrey’s Executor v. United States be overruled?

Case Briefs:

• Brief of Petitioner: Trump
• Brief of Respondent: Slaughter

Oral Argument:

• Audio recording and transcript of the oral argument from the Supreme Court

Decision:

• Link to the opinion of the Court

News Articles:

• SCOTUSblog by Adam White, “Is Humphrey’s Executor headed for Slaughter?” (October 2, 2025)
• Reuters, “Supreme Court sets December 8 date for arguments over Trump FTC firing,” (October 17, 2025)
• NBC News by Lawrence Hurley, “Supreme Court takes up Dispute over Trump’s authority to fire FTC member,” (September 22, 2025)

How to Conduct a Moot Court or a Mini-Moot Court: 

• Classroom Guide to Moot Courts 
• Mini-Moot Court Demonstration Video