Appeals court reinstates two board members fired by Trump

In the United States, a split appeals court intervened in a pivotal case concerning the powers of the President over independent agencies. On April 7, 2025, a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia determined that two board members, Gwynne Wilcox and Cathy Harris, whom former President Donald Trump dismissed, could return to their positions. The decision hinged on a historical Supreme Court verdict from 90 years ago, known as Humphrey’s Executor, which dictates that the President cannot remove members of independent boards without justifiable cause. This ruling magnetizes attention due to the potential Supreme Court appeal and questions the authority of the executive branch in this context. This ruling was significant not only for the individuals involved but also for the labor-related agencies they represent, namely the National Labor Relations Board and the Merit Systems Protection Board. These agencies play critical roles in overseeing workplace complaints and federal employee disputes, and their functionality had been hampered after the removals of Wilcox and Harris. The decision from the appeals court to reinstate these members arises amid debates about the executive authority that the current administration possesses in relation to these independent bodies, where typically an established precedent limits presidential power. The complexities of this legal battle underscore a deeper tension regarding the separation of powers and how presidential authority operates within the realm of independent agencies. The majority opinion of the court was authored by judges appointed by Democratic presidents, highlighting a partisan divide. In contrast, dissenting opinions from Republican appointees assert that the President's ability to manage these agencies is critical for executive effectiveness and should remain unchallenged by the judiciary. As this legal struggle progresses, the ultimate resolution may reside in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court, which has the chance to reassess or reinforce decades-old judicial principles regarding presidential powers over appointees. The reinstatement of Gwynne Wilcox, noted as the first Black woman on the National Labor Relations Board, and Cathy Harris from the Merit Systems Protection Board could have significant implications for labor relations and federal employment issues. Both individuals had been appointed by President Joe Biden and their abrupt dismissal by Trump has raised broader questions about the rights of appointees and the limits of presidential authority in managing these independent agencies. Looking forward, the looming Supreme Court deliberation could result in a landmark ruling that either upholds previous precedent or shifts the balance of power towards a more expansive interpretation of presidential authority.