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

New York Post - Mar 31st, 2025
Open on New York Post

Melissa Holyoak, a Republican member of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), has been working remotely from Utah despite President Trump's directive that federal employees work in the office full-time. Holyoak, confirmed by the Senate in March 2024, has rarely been seen at the FTC's Washington, D.C. offices, leading to criticism and surprise given her high-ranking position. Her remote work arrangement continues amid a crackdown by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which enforces Trump's in-office mandate. Holyoak's infrequent appearances at the office have raised eyebrows, as she is one of two remaining commissioners after Trump's dismissal of two Democratic members.

Holyoak's situation underscores broader tensions in the federal workforce about remote work and adherence to presidential directives. Her role, alongside Andrew Ferguson, who supports Trump's decision to fire the Democratic commissioners, highlights the current political dynamics within the FTC. Holyoak's previous work with the Competitive Enterprise Institute and her perceived leniency towards Big Tech have influenced her standing within the agency. The controversy comes amid ongoing legal battles, with fired commissioners challenging their dismissals. The case reflects the broader implications of federal employment policies and their impact on agency operations and political alignments.

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RATING

5.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides an intriguing look into the workings of the FTC and the broader implications of remote work policies for federal employees. It effectively captures the interest of readers by focusing on current events and high-profile figures. However, the reliance on unnamed sources and the lack of direct evidence diminish its accuracy and source quality, potentially affecting its credibility.

While the article attempts to present a balanced view by including counter-narratives, the absence of diverse perspectives and official statements limits its depth and comprehensiveness. The clarity and readability of the article are strong, making it accessible to a general audience, but the engagement and impact could be enhanced by providing more robust evidence and exploring the broader context of the issues discussed.

Overall, the article succeeds in addressing timely and relevant topics, but its effectiveness is hampered by the need for greater transparency and verification of its claims. By strengthening its sourcing and providing a more balanced perspective, the article could have a more significant impact on public discourse and policy discussions.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The article presents several factual claims that would require verification for accuracy. For instance, it states that Melissa Holyoak, an FTC commissioner, works remotely from Utah despite a directive from President Trump for federal employees to work in the office. This claim hinges on the accuracy of the directive and Holyoak's compliance with it. The story also mentions Holyoak's infrequent appearances at the FTC office and her living situation, citing unnamed sources, which makes these claims harder to verify without direct evidence or official statements.

The article references the firings of two Democratic commissioners and the involvement of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, which are significant claims that would need corroboration from official announcements or credible reports. The assertion that Holyoak has been traveling to Washington, D.C., and meeting with FTC staff is countered by unnamed sources who claim she lacks presence at the office. This discrepancy highlights the need for further verification.

Overall, the article relies heavily on unnamed sources for its claims, which affects its factual precision. More concrete evidence or statements from involved parties would strengthen the article's accuracy.

5
Balance

The article presents a narrative that seems to focus on criticism of Melissa Holyoak's remote working arrangement. It includes perspectives from unnamed sources who criticize her for not being physically present in the office and for allegedly lacking engagement with staff. However, the article also provides a counter-narrative through a source close to Holyoak, who defends her actions and claims she has been actively involved with the FTC's work.

While the article attempts to present both sides, the reliance on unnamed sources for critical perspectives may skew the balance. The lack of direct quotes from Holyoak or official FTC statements limits the representation of her viewpoint. Additionally, the article does not explore the broader context of remote work policies or the potential reasons for Holyoak's working arrangement, which could provide a more balanced perspective.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear in its language and structure, presenting its main claims and supporting details in an organized manner. It follows a logical flow, starting with the primary claim about Holyoak's remote work arrangement and expanding on the implications and responses from various sources.

However, the frequent use of unnamed sources can create some confusion for readers trying to discern the reliability of the information. The article would benefit from clearer attribution of statements and a more explicit explanation of the context surrounding the claims. Despite these issues, the article maintains a neutral tone and is relatively easy to follow.

4
Source quality

The article's reliance on unnamed sources raises questions about the quality and reliability of its information. These sources provide critical claims about Holyoak's work habits and engagement, but without attribution, their credibility is difficult to assess. The article does not cite any official statements from the FTC, Holyoak, or other authoritative figures, which would lend more weight to its claims.

The article does include a statement from Holyoak, but it appears to be a general comment rather than a direct response to the allegations. The lack of diverse and authoritative sources diminishes the overall source quality, as readers are left to rely on potentially biased or unverified information.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in its sourcing, as it frequently cites unnamed individuals without providing context on their roles or potential biases. This makes it challenging for readers to assess the credibility of the information presented. The article does not disclose the methodology for gathering information, such as how sources were selected or verified.

While the article includes a statement from Holyoak, it does not clarify whether this was obtained directly or from a public release. Greater transparency regarding the sources and methods used to gather information would enhance the article's credibility and allow readers to better understand the basis for its claims.

Sources

  1. https://www.deseret.com/politics/2024/05/13/who-is-melissa-holyoak-ftc-commissioner/
  2. https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/commissioners-staff/melissa-holyoak
  3. https://www.mercatus.org/economic-insights/event-videos/conversation-ftc-commissioner-melissa-holyoak-hosted-alden-abbott
  4. https://www.commerce.senate.gov/services/files/51CBECA7-1810-4CCD-8046-0AE99CA34CC4
  5. https://fedsoc.org/events/fireside-chat-with-ftc-commissioner-holyoak