But a May 22 move by the Supreme Court may signal the end of the NLRB’s independence, say labor leaders, and transform the agency into an extension of the White House. In turn, they warn, President Donald Trump could use the board to reward friends and punish enemies.

Still, the Supreme Court's expansive view of presidential power is giving Trump significant leeway -- with potentially more to come headed into the summer.

The court tied the hands of judges at a time when Congress has been cowed and internal executive branch constraints have been steamrolled.