WASHINGTON—In a groundbreaking day for U.S. constitutional law and potential job insecurity nationwide, the Supreme Court heard arguments Monday on whether former President Donald Trump possessed the inherent right to fire Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter, along with, according to some readings, “pretty much anyone who annoys him.”

Justice Department attorney Carla Brash asked the justices to revisit a 90-year-old precedent, arguing, “The President must be able to act decisively when a bureaucrat, FTC member, or even a particularly snarky TSA agent gets in the way of executive vision.”

Support for broad executive power was voiced by Trump advisor Lance Fielding, who explained, “If the President can’t remove federal officials at will, how is he supposed to keep the entire machinery of government living in a healthy state of existential terror?”

During oral arguments, Justice Samuel Alito mused, “So, hypothetically, could the President walk into the FTC break room and dismiss someone for bringing nonfat oat milk instead of whole? Asking for a friend.”

Counter-arguments were offered by Slaughter’s legal counsel, who warned that unchecked presidential firing authority could send a chilling effect through the 23 people still willing to serve in federal government positions. “We’re just asking for a sense of stability,” said lawyer Maxine Dubrow, “and a guarantee you won’t be replaced via late-night tweet.”

A decision is expected before the end of the term or whenever the justices decide they’ve milked the drama for all it’s worth.