Trump considers FTC member for UTAH’s top prosecutor role

President Donald Trump is thinking about naming Melissa Holyoak, a current Federal Trade Commission (FTC) member, as Utah’s next U.S. attorney, according to sources familiar with the matter. Holyoak, a Republican who joined the FTC last year, previously served as Utah’s solicitor general, bringing experience in law and government to the role.

The decision isn’t final yet, and neither the White House nor Holyoak’s office has commented on the reports. If chosen, Holyoak’s move could impact the FTC, which enforces consumer protection and antitrust laws. The agency usually needs at least two commissioners to function properly, but recent changes have raised concerns.

Trump fired two Democratic FTC members, Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, earlier this year, leading to legal challenges. If courts rule those firings were improper, it could disrupt the FTC’s ability to operate with only two members. Holyoak has been vocal about her views at the FTC, opposing some of Chair Lina Khan’s policies, like banning non-compete clauses in job contracts and making it easier to cancel subscriptions.

Her potential nomination reflects Trump’s push to place loyal figures in key legal roles. This move comes amid broader changes at the FTC, where Trump’s actions have sparked debate about the agency’s independence. For now, the focus is on whether Holyoak will take on this new role in Utah.