Podcast | Can President Trump Fire a Federal Trade Commissioner Without Cause?

In this episode of "We the People," Jeffrey Rosen hosts a debate between Thomas Berry and Jed Shugerman, two scholars of executive power, about the original understanding of Article 2 of the Constitution and the removal power. They discuss the Trump v. Slaughter case, focusing on whether the president can fire heads of independent agencies without consent. The conversation covers the Appointments Clause, the decision of 1789, Hamilton's and Madison's views, the Myers decision, and the constitutionality of the Federal Reserve, with differing interpretations of historical events and the role of executive power. Ultimately, the scholars touch on the balance of power between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and the implications for accountability and governance.