CFPB Staff Protest Leadership Changes Amid Controversy

Following the appointment of Russell Vought by President Trump as the new management and budget director, around 100 staff members of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) protested outside the agency's headquarters. The protests were fueled by concerns over Vought's directive telling employees to halt work amid a spending audit by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which reportedly gained 'read-only' access to CFPB systems. This situation has raised alarms regarding consumer data protection and the agency's operational stability, leading the CFPB Union to vow to explore legal options for safeguarding sensitive information. Musk's provocative social media post hinting at the agency's demise further exacerbated fears among CFPB employees and advocates. The protests reflect broader tensions regarding financial oversight and the potential dismantling of the CFPB under the new administration. As the agency plays a critical role in regulating financial institutions and protecting consumer rights, stakeholders are urging action to counter perceived threats to its integrity.