The US Supreme Court handed Donald Trump and all future presidents the power to fire leaders of independent agencies or commissions, overturning 90 years of precedent that had curbed executive power. The decision in Trump v. Slaughter was celebrated by Trump on Truth Social as a "big win," but labor advocates, unions, and consumer advocacy groups criticized it, warning of long-term impacts on democracy.
Reactions and Implications
Rebecca Slaughter, the federal trade commissioner fired last March, said she was "profoundly disappointed." Columnist Moira Donegan noted the ruling undermines Congress's power. Georgetown law professor Stephen Vladeck wrote: "There's no sugar-coating [it]. It's an enormously important ruling. It's a huge win for Trump/the executive. And it's going to have massive ramifications for the functioning of the government long after Trump is gone."
Other Supreme Court Decisions
The court also ruled to allow mail-in ballots that arrive after election day to be counted, siding against national Republicans and Trump's administration, upholding laws in over a dozen states. Additionally, it ruled that law enforcement's use of sprawling warrants for smartphone location data requires privacy protections under the Fourth Amendment, a boost to critics viewing such use as an unconstitutional dragnet.
Trump's Appeal in E Jean Carroll Case Declined
The Supreme Court declined Trump's request to review a 2023 New York jury verdict finding him liable for sexually abusing writer E Jean Carroll and defaming her. The decision leaves intact the $5 million civil judgment against Trump. Trump wrote on Truth Social: "Surprisingly, the Supreme Court declined to 'review' a Fake Case brought against me." Roberta Kaplan, Carroll's attorney, said: "Today's Supreme Court decision affirms once and for all the jury's unanimous verdict that President Donald J Trump sexually assaulted and defamed E Jean Carroll."
Monaco Parcel Bomb Wounds Ukrainian Oligarch
A parcel bomb blast wounded Ukrainian oligarch Vadym Iermolaiev and two others in Monaco, described by Prince Albert II as a "heinous crime" and "a shock to the entire Monégasque community." Iermolaiev, a multimillionaire Monaco resident, has been subject to sanctions from Kyiv since December 2023 over his alcohol business in Russian-occupied Crimea. Public prosecutor Stéphane Thibault said a suspect left a bag or package in the building's lobby before fleeing. The explosive device contained bolts and buckshot.
Other News
Trump nominated Keith Sonderling as acting US secretary of labor. A woman known as Jane Doe 4 in the Jeffrey Epstein files fears retaliation from the Trump administration. Peru's president-elect Keiko Fujimori vowed to restore "order and hope" after defeating leftwing candidate Roberto Sanchez. Hollywood writer-director Carl Rinsch was sentenced to 2.5 years for defrauding Netflix of $11 million. A tenured professor fired over pro-Palestinian activism won her job back and is suing her university. Exiled Chinese tycoon Guo Wengui was sentenced to 30 years for defrauding thousands out of over $1 billion.
San Francisco Archdiocese Settlement
The San Francisco Catholic archdiocese agreed to pay $395 million to settle over 500 lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse by church officials. Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone will write an apology letter to each survivor, and the archdiocese will implement child protection reforms and create a list of clergy accused of abuse.
Culture Pick: Robin Byrd Documentary
A new documentary, Bang My Box: The Robin Byrd Story, profiles the porn star turned safe-sex advocate who became an "accidental activist" during the AIDS epidemic.
Don't Miss This: Freebirthing Death Investigation
A Guardian investigation exposes links between a US business tied to baby deaths and Australian "birth keeper" Emily Lal, central to an inquest into the death of a Melbourne wellness influencer.
Survival Story: Fisher Lost in Pacific
Junior Apiuta Apiuta survived eight days drifting alone in the Pacific Ocean after being thrown overboard by huge swells.
Climate Check: Surviving Paris Heatwave While Pregnant
Megan Clement recounts coping with Europe's record heatwave while seven months pregnant, noting that an information session on extreme heat was canceled due to the heatwave.
Last Thing: Naomi Osaka's Wimbledon Outfit
Naomi Osaka wowed the Wimbledon crowd in a floor-length ruffled gown inspired by Japanese ceremonial dress, all in white, complying with the tournament's dress code.
