Title: The Unprecedented Attack on Presidential Power: Trump’s Assault on Independent Agencies In an unprecedented move, President Donald Trump has been systematically dismantling the checks and balances that have traditionally governed presidential power in the United States. One of his most recent targets is Cathy Harris, a member of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), who was fired by the Trump administration earlier this year despite her term not being set to expire until 2028. This move comes amidst an ongoing trend where President Trump has been firing bureaucrats he deems problematic and upending entire systems, leading to over 300 lawsuits and several cases reaching the Supreme Court. The MSPB is an independent, quasi-judicial agency that works to ensure federal employees are protected against abuses by agency management. Harris’ firing was in direct violation of a federal law that dictates board members can only be fired for cause, such as inefficiency, malfeasance or neglect of duty. Despite this, the Trump administration appealed and won at the Supreme Court, allowing her dismissal to stand while litigation continues. This event highlights the broader trend of President Trump’s assault on independent agencies and checks on presidential power. By systematically removing key figures from these organizations, he is effectively undermining their ability to function independently and hold the administration accountable for its actions. This has significant implications not only for those directly affected by these dismissals but also for the broader democratic process in the United States. The historical context of this event cannot be ignored either. The MSPB was established during President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration as a means to protect federal employees from political interference and ensure fair treatment within government agencies. By targeting such an institution, Trump is not only undermining its purpose but also setting a dangerous precedent for future presidents who may wish to exert greater control over the bureaucracy. As we move forward, it remains to be seen what impact these actions will have on the long-term stability of democratic institutions in the United States. However, one thing is clear: President Trump’s assault on independent agencies and checks on presidential power represents a significant threat to our system of governance and must be closely monitored by both citizens and policymakers alike.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/09/17/nx-s1-5475191/trump-executive-power-supreme-court-whistleblower)
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