Fact Check: Trump's administration slashed CFPB staff from 1,700 to just 200.

Fact Check: "Trump's administration slashed CFPB staff from 1,700 to just 200."

What We Know

The claim that the Trump administration reduced the staff of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) from 1,700 to approximately 200 employees is supported by multiple reports. According to a CBS News article, the Trump administration planned to cut nearly 90% of the CFPB's workforce, which would leave around 200 employees remaining. This drastic reduction was part of a broader initiative to scale back the agency's operations and mission.

The New York Times also reported that layoff notices were sent to a significant number of employees, with estimates suggesting that as many as 1,500 of the 1,700 employees could be terminated. The agency, established in 2011, has been pivotal in enforcing consumer protection laws and has returned billions to consumers since its inception.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, with multiple credible sources corroborating the figures. The CBS News report cites an anonymous administration official who confirmed that the layoffs would leave the CFPB with around 200 employees. This aligns with the estimates provided by the CFPB's staff union, which indicated that entire offices would be eliminated or reduced to a single employee, raising concerns about the agency's ability to fulfill its mandated duties.

The New York Times article highlights the legal context surrounding these layoffs, noting that a federal judge had previously intervened to halt mass firings, but an appeals court later allowed the administration to proceed with terminations deemed necessary. This legal backdrop adds weight to the claim, as it illustrates the contentious environment in which these cuts were made.

While the sources used are primarily news articles from reputable outlets, it is essential to consider potential biases. The CFPB has been a target of criticism from some Republican lawmakers, who argue that it is an overreaching agency. However, the reports focus on factual accounts of the layoffs and the implications for consumer protection, rather than partisan rhetoric.

Conclusion

The claim that the Trump administration slashed CFPB staff from 1,700 to just 200 is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that the administration aimed to reduce the workforce significantly, leaving approximately 200 employees remaining after the layoffs. This reduction represents a drastic change in the agency's capacity to monitor and enforce consumer protection laws.

Fact Check: Trump's administration slashed CFPB staff from 1,700 to just 200.