Fact Check: After a judge ruled Trump illegally fired FTC commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, the DOJ appealed to block her return arguing that shocker, president should be allowed to axe watchdogs

Fact-Check: "After a judge ruled Trump illegally fired FTC commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, the DOJ appealed to block her return arguing that shocker, president should be allowed to axe watchdogs"

What We Know

In July 2025, a federal court ruled that President Donald Trump's firing of Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, a Democratic commissioner at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), was illegal. Judge Loren AliKhan stated that Slaughter was a "rightful member" of the agency and that her removal violated longstanding legal protections for FTC commissioners, who can only be dismissed for specific reasons. The ruling emphasized that Slaughter's purported removal was "unlawful and without legal effect" (New York Times, AP News).

Following the ruling, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed an appeal to block Slaughter's reinstatement, arguing that the president has the constitutional authority to remove executive officers, including those overseeing regulatory agencies like the FTC (Reuters, The Hill). The DOJ's position reflects a broader interpretation of executive power, which has been upheld in previous Supreme Court rulings (New York Times).

Analysis

The claim that the DOJ appealed to block Slaughter's return after a judge ruled her firing illegal is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The New York Times and Reuters both reported on the court's ruling and the subsequent DOJ appeal, confirming the timeline and the legal arguments presented by both sides. The sources are reputable, with the New York Times being a well-established news organization known for its thorough reporting, while Reuters is recognized for its global news coverage and adherence to journalistic standards.

The appeal by the DOJ indicates a significant legal battle over the extent of presidential powers in dismissing regulatory officials. The argument that the president should have the authority to "axe watchdogs" aligns with the DOJ's defense of executive power, which has been a contentious issue in U.S. politics, particularly during Trump's presidency (The Hill, Politico).

However, the ruling by Judge AliKhan challenges this view by reinforcing the protections afforded to FTC commissioners, suggesting that the legal precedent may not support the DOJ's appeal. The judge's decision is grounded in constitutional protections that have been in place for nearly a century, which adds weight to Slaughter's position (Consumer Finance Monitor, Politico).

Conclusion

The claim that the DOJ appealed to block Rebecca Slaughter's return after a judge ruled her firing illegal is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that a federal court found Trump's firing of Slaughter to be unlawful, and the DOJ subsequently sought to challenge this ruling, arguing for the president's authority to dismiss regulatory officials. This situation highlights ongoing tensions regarding executive power and the independence of regulatory agencies.

Sources

1. US appeals court temporarily blocks order reinstating FTC commissioner
2. Court Rules Trump's Firing of F.T.C. Commissioner Was Illegal
3. Judge restores Democrat to Federal Trade Commission
4. Federal Judge rules that firing of Rebecca Slaughter as FTC Commissioner was illegal
5. Judge rules Donald Trump's firing of Rebecca Kelly Slaughter
6. Judge says Trump's firing of FTC commissioner was illegal
7. Judge says Trump’s firing of FTC commissioner was illegal
8. D.C. District Court Finds President Trump's Firing of FTC Commissioner Illegal