Exclusive | FTC Commissioner Melissa Holyoak working remotely from Utah — despite Trump’s RTO order and DOGE clampdown: sources

” I am recognized to work as a Commissioner for the Trump-Vance FTC, and work along with my pal, Chairman Andrew Ferguson, and our gifted nationwide staff to shield tireless Americans from fraud, to reduce costs for health care and various other durable goods, and to check Huge Technology,” Holyoak stated in a declaration. “The FTC’s work isn’t limited to just Washington, D.C.– the firm has a nationwide remit.”

Holyoak and Ferguson, both Republicans, are called as co-defendants. Mark Meador, who was chosen by Trump to be the 3rd Republican FTC commissioner, is expected to be verified but has yet to get a complete Us senate ballot.

“For 6 out of the last 8 weeks, the commissioner has taken a trip to DC on her very own dime and has functioned out of DC,” the resource said. “Throughout the other two weeks, she traveled to 2 regional workplaces to consult with team face to face.”

The source also pressed back on the concept that Holyoak hasn’t invested sufficient time onsite, insisting that she has actually fulfilled thoroughly, face to face, with employees in key divisions across the FTC since she was validated in 2024, consisting of the bureaus of competitors, consumer defense and economics.

The 39-year-old official just recently declared a coveted office at FTC headquarters with a balcony, high ceilings, an unhampered view of the Capitol and its own private restroom, resources said. The office was formerly occupied by FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, the various other staying commissioner, who transferred after his appointment to the leading spot.

Considering that taking control of as chair, Ferguson has actually sworn to proceed a crackdown on Big Tech, including pursuit of a future antitrust situation against Meta that could result in the business’s separation. Ferguson has actually also backed Trump’s decision to discharge the FTC’s 2 Democratic commissioners.

DOGE supplied acquistions to numerous workers that did not wish to abide as part of a broad, Trump-backed effort to reduce federal spending and waste. DOGE has actually also secured down on federal traveling budgets, with some exemptions for police and migration officials.

The leading United States regulator’s appearances at the FTC’s workplaces at 600 Pennsylvania Ave.– simply a few blocks down the street from the White Residence– have actually been so seldom that they have seemed significant when they actually take place, the sources stated.

Time zone differences and an absence of face time made it “hard to build a connection with her” and occasionally made it “more difficult to engage in the business of the firm,” the 2nd ex-FTC source added.

Melissa Holyoak, a Republican FTC commissioner that was validated by the Us senate in March 2024, never moved to Washington, DC, and has rather remained to live in Utah with her hubby and four young children, sources near the scenario informed The Blog post.

Prior to Ferguson landed the leading gig, Holyoak’s status as a Republican and active FTC commissioner placed her on the de facto shortlist of potential candidates to replace Democrat Lina Khan as firm chair previously this year.

Holyoak has gone to 4 of the FTC’s regional workplaces face to face, including three within the last two months. She has actually likewise spoken at 16 different events in the last two months to “share the Trump-Vance FTC’s concerns and schedule,” the resource included.