The Unitary Executive Theory (UET) is a Constitutional law theory that states the President of the United States possesses sole authority over the Executive Branch. UET supporters believe the theory originated during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 in the Virginia Plan.
The most controversial aspect of the UET is the President’s removal power. According to the UET, the President can remove any appointed subordinate officials of the Executive Branch. Several Presidents have utilized this power by removing executive officials appointed by the prior President. In 2021, the Supreme Court held that the President can remove top executive agency officers appointed by Congress at-will and therefore, does not need for-cause reason for removal in Collins v Yellen.
See this UC Law Journal article on The Unitary Executive Theory in Comparative Context and this University of Chicago Press article - The Unitary Executive: Past, Present, Future.
[Last updated in July of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team]