SCOTUS FTC Case, ACA Extension Vote, Zelenskyy In London
episodePreviously titled “SCOTUS FTC Case, ACA Extension Vote, Zelensky In London” — renamed by the publisher on Aug 2, 2026
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What is the Supreme Court case about presidential power?
The Supreme Court hears a case that could significantly expand presidential power.
If the court sides with the Trump administration, it would mean presidents could fire heads of independent agencies would a ruling like this destabilize the federal government.
I'm Leila Faldin, that's Amy Martinez, and this is Up First from NPR News. Millions of people who rely on government subsidized health care could see their premiums skyrocket at the end of the year if Congress does not act. Senators will vote this week.
There is perhaps no single question that has greater stakes for affordability in America.
But can lawmakers strike a deal before the subsidies expire?
And Ukraine's president is in London today to meet with the leaders of Britain, France and Germany. Europe is pushing back against some concessions in President Trump's peace plan. But how much influence do they actually have? Stay with us. We'll give you the news you need to start your day.
How could the Supreme Court ruling affect independent agencies?
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The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments today in a case that could vastly expand the president's power and erode the power of some regulatory agencies.
The conservative majority on the court has already signaled a willingness to let that happen.
NPR's Andrew Hsu is here to explain. So big day in court, Andrea. Tell us what this case is all about.
Yeah, well, this case started with the firing of Rebecca Slaughter.
What are the implications of the Affordable Care Act subsidies expiring?
She was a Democratic commissioner on the Federal Trade Commission. That's the independent agency tasked with protecting consumers from unfair competition. And back in March, she got an email from the White House informing her that she was being removed from office, not because of any wrongdoing. but because her continued service was inconsistent with President Trump's priorities. She sued, saying the president can't fire her because federal law clearly states that FTC commissioners can only be removed for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.
Okay, and the president didn't accuse Slaughter of any of these things.
No, and the lower court agreed that she couldn't be fired.
What are the Democrats' plans for extending health care subsidies?
The judge cited a 1935 Supreme Court decision called Humphrey's Executor. In A, that case involved an FTC commissioner who was fired by FDR over policy disagreements. So the court ruled unanimously that the president has no constitutional power to remove the commissioner for reasons unresolved. other than those allowed by law. The reason they said was because the FTC's duties are not purely executive in nature, but actually predominantly judicial and legislative.
I did some quick math, Andrea.
What challenges do Republicans face regarding health care proposals?
That was 90 years ago, that case, that 1935 case. So why is it being debated all over again now?
Well, in short, because the Trump administration thinks the Supreme Court got it wrong back in 1935, they argue that the FTC wasn't just doing judicial and legislative work, that it did exercise executive power back then and far more so today. And they say the Constitution spells out clearly that the president holds all the executive power. Yes, he relies on officers who assist him, including at independent agencies like the FTC, but he must be able to remove those among them who stand in his way.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What is the Supreme Court case about presidential power?
0:01–0:59
2
How could the Supreme Court ruling affect independent agencies?
0:59–2:25
3
What are the implications of the Affordable Care Act subsidies expiring?
2:25–3:02
4
What are the Democrats' plans for extending health care subsidies?
3:02–3:32
5
What challenges do Republicans face regarding health care proposals?
3:32–4:31
6
How is President Zelensky engaging with European leaders?
4:31–5:45
7
What is the significance of U.S. relations with Europe in the Ukraine conflict?
5:45–6:22
8
What are the potential outcomes of the ongoing negotiations in Ukraine?
6:22–14:07
Speakers
7 identifiedMore from Up First from NPR
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