Massive Layoffs at Consumer Finance Protection Bureau: An...

The CFPB, a major regulatory body in the US, has seen a significant number of its employees terminated. The layoffs targeted primarily contractors and probationary employees, with the enforcement division experiencing the most significant cuts. The exact number of employees let go is still unknown. The terminations were communicated in an abrupt email, highlighting the sudden and unexpected nature of the layoffs. These events follow a tumultuous period at the CFPB, including difficulties with system access and a partial shutdown of the agency's homepage.

Read more at source.

The Termination Email

The affected employees were notified of their termination through an email sent around 9pm ET on Tuesday. The email, unfortunately, contained errors, with some employees being addressed as [EmployeeFirstName][EmployeeLastName], [Job Title], [Division]. The email stated that the employees' skills and abilities did not align with the agency's current needs.

Troubles at the CFPB

The layoffs followed a series of chaotic events at the CFPB. Staff from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) struggled to access the CMS and other systems, leading to a partial shutdown of the CFPB's homepage. Later, DOGE staff gained access to the agency's HR, procurement, and financial infrastructure. The DOGE staff also gained access to the agency's systems, including bank examination and enforcement records.

Concerns Over DOGE's Access

DOGE's access to the CFPB's systems has raised concerns among some CFPB employees. They fear that DOGE's level of access could potentially allow them to lock others out of the building, take down the website, and obstruct the bureau's ability to fulfill its mandate.