Russell Vought Assumes Acting Leadership at CFPB Amid Musk’s DOGE Access

Russell Vought, an architect of Project 2025 and the new director at the Office of Management and Budget, has taken over as the acting leader of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), according to a source familiar with the situation. Senior executives at CFPB were informed Friday night that Vought was taking the helm as acting director, replacing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

The move comes after a tumultuous week at the CFPB, where staff have been instructed to halt much of their work. The agency, instrumental in addressing deceptive or predatory business practices, has filed lawsuits against big banks and payment platforms and made rules including capping overdraft fees and removing medical bills from credit reports.

Members of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency team have gained access to internal computer systems managing the agency’s human resources, procurement, and finance systems. Musk’s representatives have also taken control of CFPB’s website and social media accounts, deleting them. Musk posted on his personal X account: “CFPB RIP,” raising concerns about potential dismantling of the agency.

The union representing CFPB workers expressed fears that Musk will try to dismantle the agency, exposing sensitive data. The CFPB has long been a target of criticism among Republicans, the banking sector, and some in Silicon Valley.

— news from NPR