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July 8, 2026

SCOTUS Broadens Presidential Removal Power

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that President Trump lawfully fired former FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, overturning the 1935 Humphrey’s Executor precedent that limited presidents’ ability to remove leaders of independent agencies.

Why It Matters: The Court’s decision gives presidents more direct control over independent agencies, including the FTC, which regulates franchising through the Franchise Rule. The ruling could affect future agency leadership, enforcement priorities, and rulemaking impacting franchise businesses.

What’s Next: The Court left open questions surrounding certain agencies, including the Federal Reserve, but the decision may allow future administrations to replace officials at independent agencies and install their nominees more quickly than before.

Trump Picks Sonderling for DOL

In late June, President Trump announced his intent to nominate Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling to serve permanently as Secretary of Labor, formalizing the leadership of a longtime labor official who has led the Department of Labor since April. Sonderling previously served as Deputy Secretary, an EEOC commissioner, and acting/deputy administrator of DOL’s Wage and Hour Division.

Why It Matters: The Department of Labor oversees federal workplace policies affecting wages, benefits, safety, and employer compliance—issues critical to franchise businesses. Sonderling’s nomination would provide permanent leadership at DOL as the administration advances its labor agenda, including recent efforts to scale back disparate-impact enforcement under Title VI.

What's Next: IFA will continue to monitor and engage as Sonderling’s nomination moves to the Senate for consideration.

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Register for the IFA26 Advocacy Summit

The American Franchise Act (AFA) is now up to 134 bipartisan cosponsors, and we need everyone in franchising to join IFA in Washington, D.C., this September for the IFA26 Advocacy Summit to get the bill passed through Congress.

Why It Matters: The IFA26 Advocacy Summit gives you the one opportunity to meet directly with your congressional lawmakers and advocate for passage of the AFA to provide long-term certainty for your business. 

Go Deeper: Curious what happens at the event and where the AFA stands? The IFA team recently hosted an exclusive member briefing (Passcode: t%h3bKi1) to give you the inside details.

Take Action: Register TODAY and bring franchisees, colleagues, and any passionate franchise advocates. Contact IFA’s Erica Farage with any questions.

IFA Promotes Franchising During America 250 Celebrations

During the Salute to America celebration on the national mall, IFA provided fans and blankets for VIP attendees viewing fireworks, emphasizing franchising as an essential driver of the American dream. 

Why It Matters: This was an important audience to raise awareness of franchising as we work to advance the American Franchise Act and bring attention to the critical role franchising plays in the U.S. economy.

What Else: IFA also highlighted the contributions of franchise owners dating back to the history of our nation in new videos from the Franchise Means Local campaign and VetFran. If your brand is doing something special to recognize America 250, let us know at press@franchise.org.