WASHINGTON—A U.S. Appeals Court has temporarily paused a lower court order that had reinstated Democratic Federal Trade Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, despite the White House's effort to remove her from office, Reuters reported.
The Justice Department argued in its appeal to the D.C. Circuit Court that the district judge’s ruling infringed on the president’s constitutional executive authority. A three-judge panel said the lower court’s decision will remain on hold pending further filings due by July 29, Reuters said.
Slaughter in a statement said she will "continue to fight my illegal firing and see this case through."
"Like dozens of other federal agencies, the Federal Trade Commission has been protected from presidential politics for nearly a century," Slaughter said.
The White House, Reuters reported, said in a statement that the Supreme Court has "repeatedly upheld the President's constitutional authority to fire and remove executive officers" and that the administration "looks forward to victory on this issue."
As previously reported by CUToday.info, the outcome of Slaughter’s reinstatement case could influence the legal battle of former NCUA Chairman Todd Harper and Board Member Tanya Otsuka, who are suing the agency to regain their positions.