Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
FTC Commissioner Melissa Holyoak Operates Remotely, Raising Eyebrows Amidst Return-to-Office Mandate
A high-ranking official at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been conducting her duties remotely, despite directives from President Trump requiring federal employees to return to office work five days a week, according to sources familiar with the matter. This arrangement for Commissioner Melissa Holyoak, a Republican confirmed by the Senate in March 2024, has drawn attention as she maintains her primary residence in Utah with her family, rather than relocating to Washington D.C.
Infrequent Office Presence Sparks Questions
The presence of Commissioner Holyoak, a key figure at the top US regulatory body, at the FTC headquarters on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, has been so infrequent that her visits have become noteworthy occasions, sources within the agency revealed. Situated near the White House, the FTC’s location amplifies the visibility of Holyoak’s limited in-person engagement.
“I would never see her in the office,” a former FTC official stated. “She would only fly in for the holiday parties.”
Remote Work Amidst Staffing Changes and Mandates
This situation unfolds as Holyoak is one of only two remaining commissioners on the five-member panel, following President Trump’s recent dismissal of two Democratic commissioners. It also coincides with increased scrutiny from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), established by Elon Musk, aimed at enforcing President Trump’s January order for most federal employees to resume full-time office work or face termination.
Agency Insiders Express Surprise
“I’ve never heard of a commissioner living on the other side of the country. I think it was an unusual situation,” commented another official who recently departed the agency.
“Most of the staff expected she was going to move to DC,” the source added. “This is a presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed position. For someone at that level to fulfill her role remotely to such an extent was surprising.”
Coveted Office Remains Largely Unoccupied
The 39-year-old commissioner reportedly secured a premium office at FTC headquarters, boasting a balcony, high ceilings, a Capitol view, and private restroom facilities, sources indicated. This office was previously occupied by FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, the other current commissioner, who relocated to Washington D.C. upon his appointment.
Commissioner’s Statement Defends Nationwide Focus
“I am honored to serve as a Commissioner for the Trump-Vance FTC, and work alongside my friend, Chairman Andrew Ferguson, and our talented nationwide staff to protect hard-working Americans from fraud, to lower healthcare costs and prices for other consumer goods, and to rein in Big Tech,” Holyoak stated. “The FTC’s scope isn’t confined to Washington, D.C.—the agency has a nationwide remit.”
Defense of In-Person Engagement
A source close to Holyoak clarified that she moved into Chairman Ferguson’s former office after the Democratic commissioners were dismissed on March 18.
The source also challenged claims of limited onsite presence, asserting that Commissioner Holyoak has engaged extensively in person with personnel across key FTC divisions, including the bureaus of competition, consumer protection, and economics, since her confirmation in 2024.
“For six of the last eight weeks, the commissioner has traveled to DC at her own expense and has worked from the Washington office,” the source elaborated. “During the other two weeks, she visited two regional offices to meet with staff in person.”
Extensive Travel to Regional Offices
Commissioner Holyoak has reportedly visited four of the FTC’s regional offices, with three visits occurring within the past two months. Furthermore, she has participated in 16 events recently to “share the Trump-Vance FTC’s priorities and agenda,” the source added, highlighting her efforts to engage beyond Washington D.C.
Concerns Persist Regarding Staff Interaction
Despite these efforts, sources maintain that Commissioner Holyoak had limited interaction with agency personnel involved in the FTC’s daily operations during their tenure.
Impact of Remote Work on Agency Operations
Time zone differences and infrequent face-to-face meetings made it “hard to build a connection with her” and occasionally “hampered effective agency operations,” the second former FTC official noted, suggesting challenges stemming from the remote work arrangement.
Pre-Trump Office Norms
Prior to President Trump’s election, most FTC employees were required to be present in the office at least twice per pay period, though many chose to work from the office more frequently, sources indicated, providing context to current return-to-office policies.
Legal Challenges to Commissioner Firings
The two dismissed Democrat commissioners, Bedoya and Slaughter, have contested their removals as unlawful and have initiated legal action to reverse them.
Commissioner Holyoak and Chairman Ferguson are named as co-defendants in the legal challenge. Mark Meador, nominated by President Trump to fill the third Republican commissioner seat, awaits full Senate confirmation.
DOGE Buyouts and Spending Cuts
DOGE offered buyout packages to numerous federal workers who preferred not to comply with the return-to-office mandate, as part of a broader Trump administration initiative to reduce federal spending and waste. DOGE has also tightened restrictions on federal travel budgets, with certain exceptions for law enforcement and immigration officials.
Holyoak’s Background and Big Tech Ties
Commissioner Holyoak, formerly the solicitor general of Utah, also served as an attorney for the Competitive Enterprise Institute for five years. This think tank “advocates abolishing antitrust law” and has received funding from major Big Tech companies, including Google, Meta, and Amazon, potentially raising questions about her regulatory approach to these industries.
Past Chairmanship Consideration and Big Tech Stance
Before Chairman Ferguson’s appointment, Commissioner Holyoak, as a Republican FTC commissioner, was considered a leading candidate to succeed Democrat Lina Khan as agency chair earlier in the year.
Focus on Big Tech Crackdown Under Ferguson
However, reports at the time suggested that perceptions of Commissioner Holyoak being lenient towards Big Tech may have weakened her candidacy. Since assuming the chairmanship, Ferguson has pledged to continue a robust crackdown on Big Tech, including pursuing an upcoming antitrust case against Meta that could potentially lead to the company’s breakup. Chairman Ferguson has also supported President Trump’s decision to dismiss the FTC’s two Democratic commissioners, signaling a continued shift in the agency’s direction.