The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, under the direction of Russell Vought, has been quietly reversing settled enforcement actions, benefiting large corporations at the expense of consumers. Navy Federal Credit Union was released from an $80 million refund agreement regarding illegal fees, while other companies like Toyota Motor Credit and Wise received reduced penalties or had pending cases dismissed. The Trump administration has also undermined consumer protections by halting routine exams of financial entities and overturning rules designed to save Americans money. This pattern of dismantling consumer protections has led to a largely inoperable CFPB, with numerous complaints flooding the agency, leaving consumers vulnerable to financial harm.
Read More
Despite campaigning against the Republican establishment and its focus on shrinking government, Donald Trump appointed Russell Vought, a staunch anti-government ideologue, as OMB director. Vought’s agenda, focused on dismantling the federal government and promoting deregulation, directly contradicts Trump’s populist rhetoric. This appointment reveals a surprising alignment between Trump’s administration and the very establishment he previously opposed, facilitated by Trump’s ideological flexibility and willingness to delegate power. Vought’s influence is evident in Trump’s second term policies, including proposed cuts to social programs and increased focus on tax cuts for the wealthy. The collaboration between Trump and Vought underscores a shift in the Republican party, merging insurgent populism with established conservative ideals.
Read More
Acting CFPB Director Russell Vought dismissed four major enforcement lawsuits initiated by the previous administration against Capital One, Vanderbilt Mortgage, Rocket Homes, and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. These dismissals, “with prejudice,” signal a significant policy shift at the CFPB, coinciding with office closures and widespread staff reductions. The lawsuits, filed under Rohit Chopra’s leadership, alleged billions of dollars in consumer harm through various financial practices. Capital One and Rocket welcomed the dismissals, and their stock prices increased following the announcement.
Read More
In its thirteen-year history, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has returned billions to consumers and reformed various financial sectors, including student loans and mortgages. However, acting CFPB head Russell Vought has issued directives effectively halting the agency’s operations, including suspending investigations and closing its headquarters. This action, seemingly aimed at dismantling the CFPB from within, follows Elon Musk’s celebratory tweet about its demise and aligns with the White House’s opposition to recent CFPB consumer protections. Lawsuits have been filed, and Senator Warren has warned of the potential consequences for consumers should the agency be crippled.
Read More
Following President Trump’s appointment of Russell Vought as acting director, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) was effectively shut down, sparking widespread outrage. This action, seemingly orchestrated with Elon Musk’s involvement, directly contradicts the CFPB’s crucial role in protecting consumers from financial fraud, having returned over $20 billion to consumers. Critics argue this dismantling will exacerbate financial hardship for Americans, especially during times of economic uncertainty, while supporters of the move remain largely silent. The CFPB’s website displayed a 404 error, though some functionality remained active.
Read More
The Senate confirmed Russell Vought as the next Office of Management and Budget director along party lines, with Democrats unanimously opposing his nomination. Democratic opposition stemmed from Vought’s association with Project 2025, his support for slashing social programs, and his election denialism. Despite their vocal opposition, Democrats lacked the votes to block his confirmation. Republicans, conversely, celebrated the confirmation, anticipating fiscal reforms and regulatory rollbacks under Vought’s leadership. Vought himself expressed gratitude for his confirmation and a readiness to begin work.
Read More
Despite a Democratic boycott citing concerns over his threats to democracy and role in controversial policy decisions, Russell Vought, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Office of Management and Budget, advanced through the Senate budget committee with unanimous Republican support. Vought’s nomination now proceeds to the full Senate for a confirmation vote. Democrats highlighted Vought’s involvement in a temporary federal funding freeze and his affiliation with Project 2025, a conservative initiative aiming to reshape the government. The party characterized Vought as unfit for office.
Read More
Russell Vought’s recent confirmation hearing exposed his extreme views and connection to the dangerous Project 2025. Democratic senators effectively challenged Vought, forcing him to confront his past statements. This highlights the need for constant accountability of Republican officials, particularly the president, regarding their policies and actions. By relentlessly exposing their failures, the article argues, the public can hold them responsible and prevent the implementation of harmful agendas.
Read More
President-elect Trump nominated Russell Vought, a co-author of Project 2025, to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Vought, who previously served in the OMB under Trump, advocates for strong executive power to curtail the federal bureaucracy, a position detailed in his work on Project 2025. This appointment, requiring Senate confirmation, is part of a broader effort by Trump to drastically reduce government spending and regulations, including initiatives spearheaded by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Trump also announced several other high-profile appointments on the same day.
Read More
The recent reveal of hidden-camera footage showing Project 2025 co-author, Russell Vought, discussing his secret work preparing for a potential second term for Trump has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. Vought openly admitted that his group, the Center for Renewing America, had been drafting various executive orders, regulations, and memos to lay the groundwork for rapid action on Trump’s plans if he were to win re-election. The chilling revelation that Vought described his work as creating “shadow” agencies is deeply concerning, as it echoes the idea of a deep state within the government.
The fact that Vought and his cohorts are actively working to undermine and dismantle key government agencies in a bid to consolidate power is alarming.… Continue reading