Nov 17, 2025 - Technology

The FTC is down to two commissioners

Ashley Gold

Federal Trade Commission building is seen close up — The Federal Trade Commission headquarters. Photo: J. David Ake/Getty Images

The Federal Trade Commission now has only two commissioners, with Republican commissioner Melissa Holyoak stepping down from her post on Monday.

Why it matters: Any attempt to get another Republican confirmed at the agency will face stiff resistance from Senate Democrats after President Trump fired the two Democratic FTC commissioners this spring.

Driving the news: Holyoak, who had been nominated by former President Joe Biden, was appointed Monday as interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah, according to the FTC.

Bloomberg reported last month that Trump plans to nominate Ryan Baasch, who currently serves on the National Economic Council, to replace Holyoak. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Now the agency has just two commissioners: chair Andrew Ferguson and fellow Republican Mark Meador.

What they're saying: "I am very sad to lose Melissa at the FTC," Ferguson posted on X. "She is an excellent antitrust and consumer protection lawyer and one of the most productive Commissioners in recent memory."

The big picture: Holyoak's departure comes as fired Democratic commissioner Rebecca Slaughter gears up to defend her position and independent agencies before the Supreme Court next month.

Slaughter plans to argue that firing independent agency commissioners without legal cause would "profoundly destabilize institutions" at the heart of American governance.

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The FTC is down to two commissioners

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