Workers at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) staged a protest against Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), claiming improper access to the agency’s systems.
Union Raises Security Concerns
The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) Chapter 335, which represents CFPB staff, alleged that DOGE had gained administrative-level access to all of the agency’s IT systems.
The union warned that this could compromise sensitive financial data. It also noted that the CFPB has regulatory power over consumer finance, a sector Musk’s businesses may soon enter.
In a statement, the union called for an immediate investigation into the unauthorized system access.
Website Outage and Musk’s CFPB Remarks
The CFPB’s official website began experiencing issues late Friday. This coincided with Musk posting “CFPB RIP” on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Many interpreted Musk’s post as a sign of his push to reshape or dismantle the agency.
Protests Near the White House
On Saturday, around 100 CFPB workers gathered near the White House, chanting slogans and holding placards. Protesters accused Musk and former President Donald Trump of undermining democracy.
Drivers passing by honked in support of the demonstration.
The protest followed a Friday court ruling that temporarily blocked Musk’s team from accessing government systems used to process trillions of dollars in financial transactions. The court cited the risk of sensitive data exposure.
Trump Appoints CFPB Director Tied to Project 2025
On Friday, Trump appointed Russell Vought as the acting director of CFPB. Vought, the former head of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), is known for advocating Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint that includes abolishing the CFPB.
The CFPB was created in 2010 after the global financial crisis to regulate the consumer finance industry. The agency investigates financial misconduct and enforces consumer protection laws.
Republicans have long criticized the CFPB, calling it overreaching and unaccountable.
Musk’s Business Ties Raise Questions
The CFPB is the primary federal regulator overseeing financial services offered by nonbank entities. The union raised concerns that DOGE’s involvement could conflict with Musk’s business interests.
On Friday, the union noted that Musk’s X and Visa are partnering to offer direct payment services to consumers.
This potential conflict of interest has raised alarms among lawmakers and financial watchdogs.
CFPB’s Enforcement History
Under former President Joe Biden, the CFPB took strong action against major financial institutions.
The agency returned over $6 billion to consumers and imposed $3.2 billion in fines.
Notable actions included:
- $3.7 billion settlement with Wells Fargo over abusive consumer practices (largest CFPB enforcement action).
- Fines against Bank of America, Citibank, Goldman Sachs, and Apple for violations of consumer protection laws.
Political Reactions
Senator Elizabeth Warren, who helped create the CFPB, issued a strong response.
“Congress created this agency. No one else—not the President, Elon Musk, or Russell Vought—can destroy it,” she stated.
The White House, CFPB, Musk, Visa, and X did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The fight over the CFPB’s future is intensifying. Musk’s DOGE agency is facing legal and union challenges over its access to government systems.
With protests growing and legal battles unfolding, the CFPB’s independence and future remain in question.
