How to Help Protect the Consumer Protectors
Does it seem like Donald Trump's basic criteria for appointing federal agency leaders is opposition to those agencies' missions?
Think: the choice of Scott Pruitt to protect the environment or putting Betsy DeVos in charge of public education.
In that spirit, Trump has just selected White House budget director Mick Mulvaney to temporarily run the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), following the departure of CFPB Director Richard Cordray.
Mulvaney previously called the CFPB "a joke ... in a sick, sad kind of way". Trump himself calls the CFPB a "total disaster."
There's only one problem with Trump's plan: Director Cordray already appointed the acting CFPB Director, per the process outlined in the Dodd-Frank statute creating the agency.
On Sunday night, the CFPB's Deputy Director, Leandra English, filed a temporary restraining order against the White House for the illegal Mulvaney appointment.
Monday at the CFPB office could be a little awkward.
(Disclosure: How to Help's Chris Vaeth formerly worked at the CFPB).
How to help ensure a smooth leadership transition at the CFPB
Follow #DefendCFPB on Twitter for frequent updates.
Read the US Public Interest Research Group's Ed Mierzwinski's good, quick summary of the CFPB's leadership situation.
Sign up with Americans for Financial Reform and Allied Progress, two groups working tirelessly to defend the CFPB's ability to do its job of protecting consumers.
Join consumer groups rallying in support of the CFPB and Leandra English bright and early Monday morning from 8-10am (at CFPB HQ, 17th and G St. NW in Washington DC).
Join another rally on Tuesday at 12noon featuring Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the visionary of and first leader of the agency (also at CFPB HQ, 17th and G St. NW in Washington DC).
BTW: In the 5+ years since now-Senator Elizabeth Warren opened the CFPB, "the agency that's got your back" has recovered nearly $12 billion for 29 million Americans scammed by financial companies. As long as the CFPB can still do its job, it can help you or anyone you know being mistreated by a financial institution. You can file a complaint at www.consumerfinance.gov or by calling (855) 411-CFPB. The call center provides support in 180+ languages. You will hear back in a matter of days.
