US Supreme Court appears poised to expand Trump's power to fire federal official

Trump v Slaughter, heard by the top court on Monday, is a case that could have major implications for the independence of some federal agencies.

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The case, Trump v Slaughter, stems from President Donald Trump's firing in March of Rebecca Slaughter, alongside another Democratic member of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The court heard more than two hours of arguments over whether Trump could fire her, since federal law says an commissioner can only be fired for "inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office".

The court's decision is not expected to be announced for several months.

Ms Slaughter sued Trump after she was ousted earlier this year for being "inconsistent with [the] Administration's priorities".