WASHINGTON—The CFPB laid off 70 to 100 additional employees Thursday, according to a news report, potentially signaling the Trump Administration is clearly taking steps to dismantle the agency.
Before the recent reductions, the Bureau had about 1,700 employees. Earlier this week, approximately 70 probationary employees—those with less than one or two years on the job—were let go.
The latest reported layoffs are in line with sweeping cuts hitting recent federal hires as the Trump Administration slashes the government workforce.
As CUToday.info reported, the FDIC and the NCUA have rescinded a number of job offers to potential new hires.
The latest CFPB employees laid off were term employees, meaning career staff whose positions are for a set length of time—at the CFPB generally for two or four years—NPR said, adding CFPB staff fear mass layoffs are coming.
NPR said two of the termination letters, which were shared with NPR by current and former staffers, said the staffers' employment was terminated "due to Executive Order Implementing The President's 'Department of Government Efficiency' Workforce Optimization Initiative – The White House dated February 11, 2025."
NPR noted that those inside and outside the CFPB believe the agency will not be able to carry out its statutory obligations if its staff size is significantly reduced.
As CUToday.info reported, the latest acting CFPB director, Russell Vought, has taken even harsher steps to cripple the agency, shutting down CFPB operations within 36 hours after being named acting director. Vought stepped in for former acting director Scott Bessent. When Bessent took control, he mandated a suspension of a wide range of activities at the agency.
As CUToday.info also reported, Jonathan McKernan has been tapped to serve as CFPB director. Vought, who is also head of the Office of Management and Budget, will hold his CFPB role while McKernan moves through the Senate confirmation process.