According to Bloomberg Business, President Donald Trump plans to nominate Ryan Baasch, a 37-year-old economic policy aide at the National Economic Council, for a commissioner position at the US Federal Trade Commission. Baasch would replace commissioner Melissa Holyoak, who is expected to be nominated to serve as US Attorney for Utah, according to people familiar with the confidential matter. The White House aide has worked on competition policy among other matters at the NEC, bringing his regulatory experience to the five-member commission that oversees antitrust enforcement and consumer protection. This nomination represents another strategic move in shaping the regulatory landscape during the final year of the administration.
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Baasch’s Regulatory Philosophy
While Baasch’s specific policy positions aren’t detailed in the reporting, his background at the National Economic Council suggests he likely aligns with the administration’s broader approach to competition law and regulation. The NEC has generally advocated for what many observers characterize as a more business-friendly interpretation of antitrust principles, focusing on consumer welfare through price effects rather than broader concerns about market concentration or corporate size alone. This contrasts with more aggressive antitrust approaches gaining traction among some progressive policymakers who advocate for breaking up large tech companies and challenging mergers more proactively.
FTC Power Balance Implications
The timing of this nomination is particularly significant given the FTC’s current 3-2 Republican majority. If confirmed, Baasch would maintain that balance rather than shift it, but his specific views could influence how the commission approaches pending investigations and rulemaking. The FTC is currently engaged in multiple high-profile antitrust cases against major technology companies, and commissioners’ philosophical leanings can significantly impact case strategy and settlement approaches. Even within the Republican bloc, there are nuanced differences in how commissioners interpret their mandate, particularly regarding what constitutes anti-competitive behavior in digital markets.
The Confirmation Calendar Challenge
The nomination faces a challenging political calendar that could complicate confirmation. With the presidential election approaching and Senate attention divided, the window for moving nominations narrows significantly as the year progresses. Historical patterns show that controversial or even moderately contentious nominations often stall during election years, particularly when control of the White House might change parties. However, Baasch’s relatively young age and White House experience could position him as a candidate who might receive bipartisan consideration, especially if he’s viewed as a pragmatic rather than ideological choice.
Beyond the Current Administration
At 37, Baasch represents the potential for long-term influence on competition policy regardless of November’s election outcome. FTC commissioners serve seven-year terms, meaning a confirmed Baasch would remain on the commission through most of the next presidential term, providing continuity or creating tension with a potential new administration’s enforcement priorities. This dynamic has played out before when commissioners appointed by one president significantly influence the regulatory approach of their successor’s administration. The nomination therefore represents not just an immediate staffing change but a potential multi-year influence on how American markets are regulated.
