Chaos at CPSC—Trump, Humphrey’s Executor, and the Future of Independent Agencies

In this compelling episode of Unwritten Law, NCLA’s John Vecchione is joined by litigation counsel Kara Rollins to discuss the unprecedented turmoil at the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Following President Trump’s firing of three Democratic commissioners, a dramatic court battle erupted, spotlighting the controversial Humphrey’s Executor precedent and sparking an existential debate about the independence and accountability of federal agencies. Kara and John delve into the explosive details of the Dreamland Baby v. CPSC case, the reinstatement controversy, and why this litigation may force the Supreme Court to clarify—or overturn—the longstanding limits on presidential removal power.

Key topics: Humphrey’s Executor, independent agencies, unitary executive, CPSC litigation, separation of powers, and recent administrative-law upheavals.