"The President must have the assistance of officers he can trust," wrote Chief Justice John Roberts in the 6-3 majority opinion. "Although it is up to the Senate to decide whether to confirm those with whom the President would prefer to work, neither Congress nor the courts may saddle him with those with whom he cannot work. Subordinates who exercise the President’s power are subject to removal by him. Then, and only then, can they remain accountable to the President, and the President to the people."

While the decision represents a significant win for the Trump administration and a major expansion of presidential control over parts of the federal apparatus once deemed apolitical or beyond anything but "for cause removal," the justices in Trump vs. Cook made an exemption for Lisa Cook and other members of the Federal Reserve, citing the need to preserve the Fed's independence from political pressures in setting monetary policy. 

Roberts and the concurring majority said that power did not extend to Cook and the Fed but, in a lengthy, explanation, said that it would be up to Congress to pass rules governing appointments and removals of the monetary policy board. The ruling gives wide deference to Trump and future presidents regarding commissions and boards such as the Federal Trade Commission, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Surface Transportation Board (which overseas much of the U.S. rail system), Merit Systems Protection Board, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and even the National Labor Relations Board. The latter is where Trump previously removed democrat-appointed members of the board and those temporary removals now become permanent.

The Associated General Contractors of America and Associated Builders and Contractors both declined to comment on the ruling although AGC said it was pleased its members were provided clarity about whether entities such as the National Labor Relations Board are functions of, or independent of, the executive branch. North America's Building Trade Unions, which had opposed the board removals when they happened did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 

The majority opinion also left open the possibility that Cook or other Fed board members could be removed, but that any change in the way members are appointed or removed must come from congressional action. "Any change in that scheme must come from Congress, not the courts," Roberts wrote.