Podcasts about Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3206: Many credit cards promise rewards and flexibility, but as Kumiko warns, certain types can trap you in debt and threaten your financial security. From deferred interest schemes to credit cards secured by your home or bank account, these offers often prey on vulnerable consumers. Learn how to spot these dangers and protect your financial future. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.thebudgetmom.com/types-of-credit-cards-you-need-to-avoid/ Quotes to ponder: "If you think there is even a slight chance you can't pay off the entire balance by the end of the promotional period, you need to avoid a deferred interest credit card." "Home secured credit cards are always a bad idea. The potential consequence of not making payments is the loss of your family's shelter, which is a necessity." Episode references: Debt.org on predatory lending: https://www.debt.org/credit/predatory-lending/ Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3206: Many credit cards promise rewards and flexibility, but as Kumiko warns, certain types can trap you in debt and threaten your financial security. From deferred interest schemes to credit cards secured by your home or bank account, these offers often prey on vulnerable consumers. Learn how to spot these dangers and protect your financial future. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.thebudgetmom.com/types-of-credit-cards-you-need-to-avoid/ Quotes to ponder: "If you think there is even a slight chance you can't pay off the entire balance by the end of the promotional period, you need to avoid a deferred interest credit card." "Home secured credit cards are always a bad idea. The potential consequence of not making payments is the loss of your family's shelter, which is a necessity." Episode references: Debt.org on predatory lending: https://www.debt.org/credit/predatory-lending/ Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Chrisman Commentary, your go-to daily mortgage news podcast, where industry insights meet expert analysis. Hosted by Robbie Chrisman, this podcast delivers the latest updates on mortgage rates, capital markets, and the forces shaping the housing finance landscape. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just looking to stay informed, you'll get clear, concise breakdowns of market trends and economic shifts that impact the mortgage world.In today's episode, we look at market sentiment as it assesses the labor market. Plus, Robbie sits down with Polunsky Beitel Green's Peter Idziak to discuss the recent Senate Parliamentarian's decision blocking efforts to defund the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau via reconciliation and the implications for the agency's independence and the broader mortgage lending framework. And we close by examining what to make of today's light economic calendar.Thank you to Truework, the only all-in-one, automated VOIEA platform that helps mortgage providers achieve up to 50% cost savings with an industry leading 75% completion rate.

Since its creation 14 years ago the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has used its powers to return billions of dollars to defrauded consumers. Now the Trump administration wants to close it. What the CFPB has meant for consumer protection in the U.S.

And, just like that...we're not talking to Canada about tariffs.  How do we know? President Trump threw a hissy and cancelled any deals with our neighbor to the north.  Oh, and there is more about tariffs in our first story.  Welcome to the Business News Headlines for Friday the 27th day of June, thanks for being here.  In other news inflation ticked up in May and you are not buying as much…we'll share details. The markets did very well.  But the economy is contracting. The Smucker company is doing away with artificial dyes and joins a growing list of companies doing the same.   Expect a higher amount of fraud and abuse as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has its funding cut in half. The Wall Street Report and there will soon be new hours for some Costco members…not all but…some.  Let's go! Thanks for listening! The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The newest member of the team at the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association spent a few minutes during this week's NIADA Convention in Las Vegas for this episode of the Auto Remarketing Podcast. Patrick O'Brien, who joined NIADA in May as director of government relations and compliance, shared more details about his background with the U.S. Treasury and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, as well as how he hopes to represent independent dealers in Washington, D.C.

Following a meeting of the Senate Finance Committee on Sunday, Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough advised that several measures in the “Big Beautiful Bill” fail the Byrd Rule and cannot be included in Republicans' omnibus spending and taxation bill under budget reconciliation. Among the measures MacDonough identified are provisions barring certain noncitizens from receiving benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), requiring the U.S. Postal Service to sell its electric vehicles, reducing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's funding to zero, and forcing the federal government to sell public lands. Ad-free podcasts are here!Many listeners have been asking for an ad-free version of this podcast that they could subscribe to — and we finally launched it. You can go to ReadTangle.com to sign up!You can read today's podcast⁠ ⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠, our “Under the Radar” story ⁠here and today's “Have a nice day” story ⁠here⁠.Take the survey: What do you think of the parliamentarian's decisions? Let us know!Disagree? That's okay. My opinion is just one of many. Write in and let us know why, and we'll consider publishing your feedback.You can subscribe to Tangle by clicking here or drop something in our tip jar by clicking here. Our Executive Editor and Founder is Isaac Saul. Our Executive Producer is Jon Lall.This podcast was written by: Isaac Saul and edited and engineered by Dewey Thomas. Music for the podcast was produced by Diet 75.Our newsletter is edited by Managing Editor Ari Weitzman, Senior Editor Will Kaback, Hunter Casperson, Kendall White, Bailey Saul, and Audrey Moorehead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast, Chris Willis and Lori Sommerfield discuss the latest regulatory, legislative, and litigation developments under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as accessibility of digital platforms and mobile applications increasingly become crucial for consumer finance providers. This episode covers the DOJ's guidance on website accessibility, evolving Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, potential legislative solutions, and the risks of private litigation amid a surge in lawsuits alleging violations of the ADA. With a focus on litigation trends and risk mitigation strategies, this discussion is vital for businesses striving to ensure compliance and protect their digital assets in a complex legal environment. Gain practical insights on assessing and improving website accessibility and learn how to establish a robust ADA risk management program to shield your business from potential legal challenges.

The Senate parliamentarian has been busy throwing out key provisions in the GOP's reconciliation bill, ruling against measures affecting food stamps, immigration policy, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and more. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Aidan Quigley assess the latest condition of the reconciliation package and the fiscal 2026 appropriations process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Senate parliamentarian has been busy throwing out key provisions in the GOP's reconciliation bill, ruling against measures affecting food stamps, immigration policy, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and more. CQ Roll Call's David Lerman and Aidan Quigley assess the latest condition of the reconciliation package and the fiscal 2026 appropriations process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special crossover episode between Moving the Metal and The Consumer Finance Podcast, Brooke Conkle, Chris Capurso, and Chris Willis analyze the first 100 days of the second Trump administration, focusing on its impact on the auto-finance industry. They discuss the anticipated enforcement slowdown by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), unexpected halts in supervisory activities, and leadership changes at the Federal Trade Commission and CFPB. The conversation highlights the administration's focus on consumer fees, the evolving role of state regulators, and shifts in discrimination theories impacting compliance practices. This episode provides insights into strategic regulatory changes and offers guidance for navigating the complexities of the auto-finance sector in 2025.

421. How to Stop the War, the Bill & the Trump Regime with Sen. Elizabeth Warren If you, like us, have been active in fighting our descent into facism, but are wondering what the Democratic party's plan is to stop the Trump regime, join us as we ask Senator Elizabeth Warren today what the Democratic party is doing – and what we can do.   Listen to this episode for Senator Warren's answers to your questions on the “Big Beautiful Bill,” War with Iran, Gaza, and midterms — and clear calls to action: how to find your representatives, and scripts for the three things to tell them to do.   For contact info for your Congress members, go to: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member About Senator Warren:  Elizabeth Warren, the senior Senator from Massachusetts and top Democrat on the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, is a fearless consumer advocate and one of the nation's leading progressive voices. Before becoming the first woman ever elected to the Senate from Massachusetts in 2012, Elizabeth led the fight to create the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an agency established in the aftermath of the financial crisis to protect consumers from predatory financial practices. Elizabeth lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with her husband Bruce and their golden retriever, Bailey. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While credit access improved in May and vehicle prices were steady, affordability remained a concern, especially for credit-challenged consumers who face multiple forms of debt. The Dealertrack Credit Availability Index increased 2% year over year in May to 96.7 as credit unions and banks loosened standards and approval rates improved. At the same time, the average new-vehicle transaction price ticked up 1% YoY but was nearly flat month over month at $48,799.  But as student loan payments resume and that debt is again reported to credit reporting agencies, some nonprime borrowers are turning to credit-builder loans and buy now, pay later programs to improve their credit history and finance downpayments for vehicle purchases. Meanwhile, in one of the first actions since the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau undertook a more limited approach to supervision under the new administration, the California State Senate passed a bill that would allow dealers to increase document fees to a maximum of $500. The current processing charges, in effect since 2019, are $85 for new cars and $70 for used cars. The change would align the state's processing fees with that of other states but has received backlash from some consumer advocacy groups that claim the uptick is another “junk fee.” In other news, Arra Finance acquired Crescent Bank's $815 million auto portfolio and plans to grow originations by leveraging the bank's technology stack and dealer base. Other auto finance companies have also seen growth in the first part of the year, including Carvana and Global Lending Services.  In this episode of “Weekly Wrap,” Auto Finance News Editor Amanda Harris, Senior Associate Editor Truth Headlam and Associate Editor Aidan Bush discuss trends in affordability and compliance along with company updates for the week ended June 13. 

Learn how to use AI to boost your career and finances—plus, what to do when debt consolidation tanks your credit score. How can you use AI to stay competitive in your career and manage your money better? What should you do when debt consolidation tanks your credit score? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the rapid rise of generative AI and how it's reshaping both the workplace and personal finance tools. Senior news writer Anna Helhoski joins the show to share her conversation with Maria Curi, technology policy reporter for Axios, which explores how generative AI is reshaping white-collar jobs, the skills you'll need to stay competitive, and why you should be cautious about sharing personal financial data with AI tools. They cover how to use thoughtful AI prompting for budgeting, researching financial topics, and automating everyday tasks. Then, personal finance Nerd Amanda Barroso joins Sean and Elizabeth to answer a listener's question about how to recover from a steep credit score drop after working with a debt consolidation company. They dive into the differences between debt settlement and credit counseling, walk through ways to rebuild your credit score, and share strategies to avoid falling back into debt. They also explain how to check your credit reports for red flags, make the most of credit utilization thresholds, and evaluate whether to stick with or switch from a debt relief company. In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how to rebuild credit after debt consolidation, AI and personal finance, using AI for budgeting, credit score dropped after debt consolidation, debt settlement vs debt consolidation, credit counseling vs debt consolidation, how to use AI in your job, credit utilization and credit score, generative AI tools for finance, credit monitoring tips, how to check your credit reports, how to avoid debt settlement scams, credit score recovery strategies, prompt engineering for AI tools, AI hallucinations explained, privacy risks of AI financial tools, best ways to use ChatGPT for money help, AI in white collar jobs, AI in blue collar work, how AI is changing the workplace, National Foundation for Credit Counseling, credit mix and credit score, 0% interest balance transfer cards, how to get out of debt without ruining credit, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau debt settlement warnings, risks of debt consolidation companies, and how to diversify your credit. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special crossover episode between FCRA Focus and The Consumer Finance Podcast, Kim Phan, Dave Gettings, Chris Willis, and Cindy Hanson explore the recent withdrawal of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) guidance affecting the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of how these changes impact key areas such as preemption, background screening, permissible purpose, artificial intelligence, and state attorneys general enforcement actions. The discussion highlights the implications for consumer reporting agencies, furnishers, end-users, and the broader regulatory landscape, offering valuable insights for professionals navigating these evolving challenges. Tune in to understand the potential shifts in compliance and enforcement.

  A decade-and-a-half ago in the aftermath of the Great Recession and the financial crisis that sparked it, consumer advocates in North Carolina and around the country succeeded in spurring the creation of a new federal government watchdog known as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. In the years since, the CFPB has done prodigious work […]

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In this crossover episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast and Payments Pros, Chris Willis, Jason Cover, and Taylor Gess unravel the often-confused distinctions between loans and credit sales in the first installment of our Point-of-Sale Finance Series. This episode sheds light on the regulatory nuances that impact the delivery of financial products. From the historical backdrop of Retail Installment Sales Acts to the modern-day challenges of terminology, the conversation offers a comprehensive overview of the pros and cons of retail installment contracts and direct loans. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to consumer finance, this discussion will enhance your understanding of these pivotal financial structures.

Money borrowed for hospitalization is seen by many as different from paying what you owe for consumer goods: The debt is seldom from discretionary spending. The Biden-era Consumer Financial Protection Bureau had moved to protect credit scores from medical debt, but the agency is now reversing course. A nonprofit called Undue Medical Debt, led by CEO Allison Sesso, works to pay off people's medical debt as a charitable endeavor. But first, Trump's spending bill moves to the Senate.

Money borrowed for hospitalization is seen by many as different from paying what you owe for consumer goods: The debt is seldom from discretionary spending. The Biden-era Consumer Financial Protection Bureau had moved to protect credit scores from medical debt, but the agency is now reversing course. A nonprofit called Undue Medical Debt, led by CEO Allison Sesso, works to pay off people's medical debt as a charitable endeavor. But first, Trump's spending bill moves to the Senate.

Under the Trump administration, major changes at key consumer protection agencies, including widespread staff cuts and rule rollbacks, are raising concerns about the future of efforts to curb unfair or deceptive financial practices. Professor Terri Friedline explains what's been happening at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, why it matters, and how these shifts impact the people who can least afford to be left unprotected. And she draws on her research to highlight how the financial system has left many behind, despite the promises of new financial technologies.   For more on this topic:  Read Friedline's commentary about how financial technology firms prey on the poor in Truthout  Check out her book, Banking on a Revolution: Why Financial Technology Won't Save a Broken System   

In this episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast, Chris Willis is joined by Jason Cover to introduce an upcoming special series focused on point-of-sale finance, a rapidly evolving sector in consumer financial services. This teaser provides a sneak peek into increasingly popular topics that will be discussed throughout the series, including innovative point-of-sale finance solutions such as payment methods beyond traditional credit and debit cards, in addition to a diverse range of products and the dynamic interactions between fintech lenders, financial institutions, and merchants. The series will also explore foundational concepts and specific models across various industries, such as home improvements and medical financing, setting the stage for a deep dive into the transformative impact of point-of-sale finance on consumer transactions.

In Jan. 2025, then-Vice President Kamala Harris announced a final rule by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to remove medical debt from consumers’ credit reports. The policy was to take effect in March, but just like many other Biden-era actions, the Trump administration is changing course. Now, a federal judge is expected to decide in mid-June about whether to vacate the consumer protection rule. Georgia ranks among the top five states with the most medical debt, with 13% of adults in the state owing money. Former health tech executive and consumer advocate Scott Speranza, the CEO of HealthLock, discusses what this could mean for Georgians. For “Closer Look’s” Class of 2025 graduation series, we hear from Bon Varlet. The standout Kennesaw State University graduate majored in information technology. She talks with Rose about her academic journey, including earning a Fulbright Study Award, and her aspirations to attend law school and to protect public institutions, particularly libraries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast, Chris Willis and Lori Sommerfield discuss the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) recent withdrawal of more than 60 pieces of informal guidance, focusing on those related to fair lending and unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices (UDAAP) issues. This conversation highlights key pieces of guidance that have been rescinded, including those concerning adverse action notices and abusive practices, in addition to insights on how these developments might influence the CFPB's enforcement priorities moving forward. This episode is part of a series across multiple podcasts from our Consumer Financial Services practice regarding the recent CFPB advisory withdrawals, and their impact in various areas.

In this episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast, Chris Willis is joined by Troutman Pepper Locke Partners Lindsey Kress and Regina McClendon to analyze the complexities of the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act (CLRA). The discussion highlights recent amendments, including the prohibition on drip pricing, and examines strategic approaches for businesses facing potential litigation under this statute. With a focus on understanding the CLRA's unique provisions and defenses, the episode offers valuable guidance for companies navigating consumer protection challenges in California, along with addressing class action risks and safe harbors.

In this episode of 'Cybersecurity Today,' host Jim Love discusses several urgent cybersecurity topics. Microsoft has released an emergency patch after a recent Windows update caused BitLocker recovery mode on certain systems, locking users out without warning. The issue stems from the May security update affecting systems using Intel, vPro chips, and TXT. Tech enthusiasts may manually download the patch through the Microsoft Update catalog, while Microsoft urges users to secure their BitLocker recovery keys. The episode also highlights day one of Pwn2Own Berlin 2025, where hackers successfully breached Windows 11, Red Hat Linux, and Oracle Virtual Box, earning a combined $260,000 in prize money. Additionally, US experts discovered hidden communication hardware in Chinese-made solar equipment, raising concerns about remote access risks to the power grid. The FBI warns of a new wave of AI-generated phishing attacks that bypass traditional security measures. Finally, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has quietly backed down from regulating data brokers, sparking controversy among privacy advocates. Jim Love offers insights and reminds listeners of the importance of cybersecurity. 00:00 Introduction and Headlines 00:27 Microsoft's Urgent Patch for BitLocker Issue 02:26 Pwn2Own Berlin 2025: Major Security Breaches 04:11 Hidden Devices in Chinese Solar Equipment 06:05 FBI Warns of New Linkless Phishing Attacks 07:58 CFPB Withdraws Rule on Data Brokers 09:33 Conclusion and Contact Information

Administrative Law: May courts enjoin the President from dismantling of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau? - Argued: Fri, 16 May 2025 13:0:16 EDT

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's changed its mind about protecting consumers from data brokers - we'll tell you more. Plus a look at the security side of this week's OS updates from Apple on this edition of The Checklist, brought to you by SecureMac. Check out our show notes: SecureMac.com/Checklist And get in touch with us: Checklist@Securemac.com

This week's episode of the Business Brief, looks into dresses that could be getting more expensive. Then, the podcast looks into a major overhaul of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

This Day in Legal History: SCOTUS Upholds CFPB Funding StructureOn May 16, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a major ruling in Consumer Financial Protection Bureau v. Community Financial Services Association of America, Ltd., upholding the constitutionality of the CFPB's funding structure. In a 7–2 decision, the Court held that the agency's funding—drawn from the Federal Reserve and not subject to annual congressional appropriations—does not violate the Appropriations Clause of the Constitution. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice Roberts emphasized that the Constitution permits flexibility in funding mechanisms so long as they are authorized by law and subject to congressional oversight in some form. The ruling affirmed the CFPB's continued ability to regulate financial institutions and enforce consumer protection laws independent of Congress's annual budget process.The decision marked a significant moment in the Court's treatment of agency independence, particularly at a time of renewed scrutiny of the administrative state. It was widely seen as a victory for supporters of the CFPB, which had faced ongoing legal and political challenges since its creation under the Dodd-Frank Act in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. However, the case also highlighted the growing skepticism among certain justices—and lawmakers—about the breadth of agency power and accountability.Just one year later, the CFPB's future is again uncertain. With a new administration openly hostile to the agency and legislative efforts underway to curtail its authority or restructure its funding, the May 2024 decision is already being treated as legal history. Though the Court upheld the agency's funding, the political battle over the CFPB continues, casting doubt on how long the victory will stand.Intel appeared before the EU General Court to contest a €376 million ($421.4 million) antitrust fine reimposed by the European Commission. The fine stems from the Commission's 2009 decision, which originally imposed a record €1.06 billion penalty for Intel's actions that allegedly excluded rival AMD from the market. Though the General Court overturned the majority of that decision in 2022, it upheld a portion related to so-called “naked restrictions”—payments Intel made to HP, Acer, and Lenovo to delay or halt rival products between 2002 and 2006.Intel's lawyer argued that the violations were narrow and tactical, not part of a broader strategy to shut out competitors from the x86 chip market. He claimed the Commission failed to weigh the limited impact of those actions and imposed a disproportionate and unfair fine. The Commission countered that the fine followed established guidelines and represented only a small fraction of Intel's turnover, asserting that the penalty was appropriate for the seriousness of the conduct.Both sides asked the court to settle the matter by determining the appropriate fine amount. A decision is expected in the coming months.Intel spars with EU regulators over $421.4 million antitrust fine | ReutersA federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., heard arguments in a case that could redefine the U.S. president's authority to remove officials from independent federal agencies. The Trump administration is appealing two lower court decisions that reinstated Democratic officials Cathy Harris to the Merit Systems Protection Board and Gwynne Wilcox to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) after President Trump removed them without cause earlier this year. Both boards, which handle labor disputes and federal employee appeals, were left effectively inoperable due to vacancies, with thousands of pending cases.The administration argues that statutory protections limiting removals to “cause” violate the president's constitutional authority to control the executive branch. Trump's legal team claims that these agencies exercise substantial executive power and therefore should not be shielded from presidential oversight. The case may hinge on Humphrey's Executor, a 1935 Supreme Court decision that upheld removal protections for members of independent commissions like the Federal Trade Commission. Conservative judges—including two Trump appointees on the panel—have recently questioned the decision's reach.If the D.C. Circuit sides with Trump, it could pave the way for a broader dismantling of long-standing removal protections across federal agencies. Legal scholars warn that such a move could give the president far-reaching power to reshape regulatory policy by purging officials who don't align with the administration's agenda. The case could ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court and lead to a narrowing or overruling of Humphrey's Executor.US court to weigh Trump's powers to fire Democrats from federal agencies | ReutersData obtained through a public records request reveals that recent buyouts at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have significantly reduced staffing in key divisions. The legal, investment management, and trading and markets offices experienced workforce cuts ranging from 15% to 19% over just a few weeks. Regional offices in Chicago and Denver also saw nearly 20% reductions. Overall, the SEC's full-time staff has shrunk by 12% since January, with agency chair Paul Atkins recently noting a 15% decrease since October.These losses come amid ongoing hiring freezes and budget restrictions. While Atkins suggested that some roles may be refilled, he did not dismiss the possibility of more cuts. In parallel, more than 20 SEC employees have been reassigned to focus on contract reviews, part of a broader cost-cutting initiative coordinated with the Department of Government Efficiency (DGE), led by Elon Musk. DGE has expanded its presence at SEC headquarters and is reviewing agency operations, particularly IT services, to identify further savings.The SEC declined to comment on the staffing reductions, though a spokesperson confirmed it is working with DGE to improve efficiency. The full implications of these staffing losses for the agency's regulatory functions remain unclear.SEC buyouts hit legal, investment offices hardest, data shows | ReutersMeta Platforms asked a federal judge to dismiss the Federal Trade Commission's antitrust lawsuit, arguing the agency failed to prove that the company holds an illegal monopoly in social media. The case, which centers on Meta's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, claims these deals were aimed at neutralizing potential rivals and maintaining dominance in the market for apps used to share personal updates. The FTC wants to unwind those acquisitions, made more than a decade ago.Meta contends the FTC's case falls short of demonstrating that WhatsApp and Instagram posed meaningful competitive threats at the time of acquisition. The company pointed to internal evidence suggesting WhatsApp had no ambitions to become a social media platform and that Instagram actually thrived post-acquisition. Meta also argued the FTC has not clearly defined the relevant market, especially given competition from platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Reddit, and X (formerly Twitter), which Meta says all compete for user attention.The company maintains that its products face constant pressure to evolve in response to competitors. If the judge denies Meta's request to end the case now, the trial will continue through June with closing arguments and final briefs expected afterward. A ruling that Meta holds an illegal monopoly would trigger a second trial focused on potential remedies.Meta asks judge to rule that FTC failed to prove its monopoly case | ReutersThis week's closing theme is the second movement of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 1, titled “Kräftig bewegt, doch nicht zu schnell. Recht gemächlich”, which translates roughly to “Strongly moving, but not too fast. Quite leisurely.” Composed in the late 1880s and premiered in 1889, Mahler's First Symphony marked his audacious entry into the world of symphonic writing. At once expansive and deeply personal, the work fuses Romantic tradition with the beginnings of Mahler's own, modern voice.The second movement—our focus this week—is a rustic Ländler, an Austrian folk dance form, reimagined with orchestral power and emotional complexity. Mahler, who was born in 1860 in what is now the Czech Republic, grew up surrounded by folk tunes and military marches, and these influences saturate this section of the symphony. It opens with swagger and energy, driven by bold rhythms and a sense of physicality, before softening into a slower trio section that offers brief lyrical repose.Though the movement has a lively surface, its contrasting moods reflect Mahler's signature ability to intertwine the playful and the profound. His orchestration here is vivid but never ornamental—every detail serves a dramatic or emotional purpose. Mahler's symphonies often contemplate mortality, memory, and transcendence, but this movement reminds us that he could also be joyful, ironic, and grounded in the sounds of real life.By the time of his death in 1911, Mahler had transformed the symphony into a vessel for existential expression, bridging the 19th and 20th centuries. This movement from his First hints at all that was to come. As our week closes, we leave you with this music—bold, earthy, and unmistakably Mahler.Without further ado, Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 1, titled “Kräftig bewegt, doch nicht zu schnell. Recht gemächlich.” This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is set to withdraw a Biden-era rule aimed at cracking down on data brokers and their selling of Americans' personal and financial information. In a notice in the Federal Register, the CFPB said legislative rulemaking on the data broker industry “is not necessary or appropriate at this time,” and the agency does not plan to “take any further action” on the proposal. The notice was issued by Russell Vought, acting director of the agency, head of the Office of Management and Budget and a Project 2025 architect. The withdrawal of the rule, which was first reported by Wired, comes after President Donald Trump's initial nominee to lead the CFPB signaled to Congress in February an openness to continuing Biden administration data-broker rules. Jonathan McKernan, a former Treasury Department and Federal Housing Finance Agency staffer, told the Senate Banking Committee that Rohit Chopra — President Joe Biden's CFPB director — “was onto something” with his policies targeting data brokers and data aggregators. The CFPB's withdrawal notice took particular issue with the rule's focus on the Fair Credit Reporting Act, saying that the proposal was “not aligned with the Bureau's current interpretation of the FCRA, which it is in the process of revising.” The Senate on Wednesday voted 54-43 to confirm businessman Emil Michael as undersecretary of defense for research and engineering and the Pentagon's chief technology officer. In that position, Michael will serve as the primary advisor to the secretary of defense and other Defense Department leaders on tech development and transition, prototyping, experimentation, and management of testing ranges and activities. He'll also be in charge of synchronizing science and technology efforts across the DOD. Michael comes to the job from the private sector, where he's been a business executive, advisor and investor. He told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee that he's been involved with more than 50 different tech companies during his career. Perhaps most notable, from 2013 to 2017, he was chief business officer at Uber. In government, he previously served as special assistant to the secretary of defense when Robert Gates was Pentagon chief. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast  on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.

In today's all-new episode, our hosts Renato Mariotti and Asha Rangappa discuss Trump's attempt to dismantle Voice of America, a government-funded international broadcasting agency created during World War II to counter foreign propaganda. They analyze the legal challenges to Trump's executive order, highlighting the First Amendment implications and the Administrative Procedure Act violations. Before diving in, remember to subscribe to our Patreon for exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes content: patreon.com/reallyamericanmedia. Asha kicks off the discussion by emphasizing the indispensable role Voice of America has long played in countering disinformation and delivering unbiased news around the world. Now, under the Trump administration, this vital institution is under attack—disguised as a routine executive order. Renato delves into the unfolding legal battle, explaining how this overreach not only threatens First Amendment rights but also sidesteps congressional oversight in violation of established law. The conversation then expands as Renato and Asha examine Trump's persistent pattern of undermining key institutions. His assault on Voice of America is just one front in a broader campaign—one that has also targeted agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau—eroding the checks and balances that hold our government accountable. Asha warns that such unilateral decisions create dangerous vulnerabilities in our democratic framework. Moving into in-depth legal analysis, our hosts question whether these executive actions effectively usurp Congress's legislative authority and destabilize the separation of powers essential to our democracy. They examine the societal fallout from unchecked executive overreach and lay bare the threat posed to the core values that guide our nation. In a notable twist, the episode highlights an emerging legal precedent. A Reagan-appointed judge recently blocked Trump's action via an injunction—revealing deep tensions within the judiciary as it grapples with the limits of executive power. The subsequent appeal and full court review underscore both the urgency and the high stakes involved, with the livelihoods of over 1,300 journalists hanging in the balance. Wrapping up, the discussion widens to the global stage. Voice of America is not just a news outlet; it symbolizes America's unwavering commitment to truth and free speech. The attempt to silence it represents a serious blow to our nation's reputation as a defender of democracy worldwide. Renato and Asha passionately call for vigilance and collective action. They urge every branch of government—and all of us—to stand up for democratic principles and resist efforts to curtail our freedoms. Their incisive exploration of these legal and political battles reminds us that democracy thrives on transparency and accountability. Don't miss this crucial episode as Renato and Asha dive deep into the pressing issues threatening our media landscape and democratic institutions. Join the discussion and subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations on the topics that matter most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's podcast features Stephen Calkins, a law professor at Wayne State University in Detroit and former General Counsel of the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”). President Trump recently fired, without good cause, the two Democratic members of the FTC, leaving only two Republican members as commissioners. He did this even though the FTC Act provides that a commissioner may be fired by the President only for good cause and that the commission is to be governed by a bi-partisan 5-member commission This is the third time in the past few weeks that Trump has fired without good cause democratic members of other federal agencies; the other two being the National Labor Relations Board (The “NLRB”) and the Merit Selection Protection Board (The “MSPB”). The statutes governing those two agencies, like the FTC Act, allow the President to fire a member of the governing board for good cause only. The fired members of all three agencies initiated lawsuits in federal district court for the District of Columbia, seeking mandatory preliminary injunctions requiring those agencies to reinstate them with back pay. We discuss the status of the two lawsuits and how the outcome will turn on whether the Supreme Court will apply or overrule a 1935 Supreme Court opinion in Humphrey's Executor, which held that the provision in the Constitution allowing the President to fire an FTC commissioner for good cause only did not run afoul of the separation of powers clause in the Constitution. Conversely, the Supreme Court will need to determine whether the Supreme Court opinion in Seila Law, LLC V. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau should apply to these two new cases. In Seila Law, the Supreme Court held on Constitutional grounds, that the President could fire without good cause the sole director of the CFPB even though the Dodd-Frank Act allowed the President to fire the sole director of the CFPB for good cause only. Until this gets resolved, the FTC will be governed only by two Republican commissioners who will constitute a quorum for purposes of conducting official business. Professor Calkins explains how a Supreme Court ruling in these two new cases upholding Trump's firing of the Democratic members of the agencies could enable the President to fire without good cause members of other multiple-member agencies, like the Federal Reserve Board. We then discuss the status of the following four final controversial FTC rule, some of which were challenged in court: the CARS Rule, the Click-to-Cancel Rule, the Junk Fee Rule, and the Non-Compete Rule. We also discuss the impact of President Trump's Executive Order requiring that all federal agencies, including so-called “independent” agencies, must obtain approval from the White House before taking any significant actions, like proposing or finalizing rules. Then, we discuss the status of enforcement investigations and litigation and whether any of them have been voluntarily dismissed with prejudice by the FTC under Trump 2.0, whether any new enforcement lawsuits been filed, and what they involve. We discuss our expectation that the FTC will be a lot less active in the consumer protection enforcement area during Trump 2.0. We then discuss the impact on staffing because of DOGE-imposed reductions-in-force. Finally, we touch upon the status of pending antitrust enforcement lawsuits. Alan Kaplinsky, former practice group leader for 25 years of the Consumer Financial Services Group and now Senior Counsel, hosts the discussion.

Philadelphia is again facing repercussions after President Trump signed a new executive order targeting sanctuary cities—those that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Pennsylvania's state House Republican leader says transit agencies in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh should consider privatizing some functions to avoid service cuts. Primary Election Day in Pennsylvania is two weeks from today, on Tuesday, May 20th. Universal voter ID has been a political hot topic in the past few years. Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt explains what voter ID requirements exist in Pennsylvania. The number of people killed in fatal crashes on Pennsylvania highways was the second lowest since record keeping began nearly a century ago. PennDOT announces that 1,127 people were killed in 2024, 82 fewer than the year before. Sewer rates are doubling for York residents. The city is coming out of a three-year rate freeze implemented when Pennsylvania American Water acquired the system. The Trump administration recently announced plans to cut the national Consumer Financial Protection Bureau by 90%. That's why Governor Josh Shapiro is unveiling a new phone number and state website designed to help Pennsylvanians report possible financial scams and issues. And WITF’s Vice President of Media and Production Fred Vigeant sits down with WITF’s long-time reporter Rachel McDevitt for a special conversation. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration has inherited a broken financial policy landscape. President Biden's legacy of regulatory overreach and heavy-handed interventions stifled growth, distorted markets, and limited opportunity for individuals and businesses.The good news? The Trump White House and a Republican-led Congress now have an opportunity to reverse course and restore financial freedom, creating a more dynamic and inclusive economy. Americans are counting on them to deliver.In this edition of This Week's Economy, I'm sharing my top financial policy reform priorities—from ending the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to empowering fintech innovation.Watch now and subscribe for weekly updates on how we can let people prosper.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.comListen on: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify

Today on CarEdge Live, Ray and Justise discuss the new developments surrounding the FTC Cars Rule and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Tune in to learn more!

Top officials of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau erupted in cheers this month.

The American Revolutionary War began 250 years ago Saturday. You probably know the political reasons behind the American colonists' fight for independence, but there were major economic grievances, as well. Today, we're taking a look back. Plus, the Trump administration has moved to fire most staffers at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. And despite attempts at a revival from the Trump administration, the future of coal will likely continue to look bleak.

The American Revolutionary War began 250 years ago Saturday. You probably know the political reasons behind the American colonists' fight for independence, but there were major economic grievances, as well. Today, we're taking a look back. Plus, the Trump administration has moved to fire most staffers at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. And despite attempts at a revival from the Trump administration, the future of coal will likely continue to look bleak.

Rohit Chopra was the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau head until the end of January, when President Donald Trump fired him and Elon Musk's DOGE began trying to dismantle the agency. The CFPB has been pretty popular since it was founded in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis to protect consumers, so shutting it down has kicked off a bunch of controversies — not least of which was whether Trump and Musk even had the power to do it. This all led me to ask several times who made the decision to fire him, who is currently responsible for the various policies of our government, and whether any of those things add up to a clear plan. Some of the most powerful executives in the world answer questions like this on Decoder all the time. But Rohit just didn't know — and that should probably be as worrying as anything. Links:  Trump fires CFPB director Rohit Chopra | Associated Press Trump orders CFPB to stop work, closes building | Associated Press CFPB workers reinstated after court order but still can't work | The Verge Trump admin to appeal order blocking CFPB shutdown | Bloomberg Law A shady tech bootcamp may be sneaking back online | The Verge CFPB won't enforce long-awaited payday lending rule | Bloomberg Law CFPB seeks to vacate redlining settlement, refund lender | Banking Dive CFPB signals it will drop rule regulating BNPL like credit cards | PYMTS CFPB drops fraud lawsuit against banks, Zelle | CNBC Credits: Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network. Our producers are Kate Cox and Nick Statt. Our editor is Ursa Wright.  The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ralph welcomes Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen, whose group has filed eight lawsuits that have significantly slowed the Trump/Musk cabal's attempt to dismantle the government. Then, our resident Constitutional scholar Bruce Fein reports on Public Interest Law Day at Harvard Law School and how important it is for law schools in general to step up to meet this constitutional crisis. Plus, Ralph answers listener questions!Robert Weissman is a staunch public interest advocate and activist, as well as an expert on a wide variety of issues ranging from corporate accountability and government transparency, to trade and globalization, to economic and regulatory policy. As the President of Public Citizen, he has spearheaded the effort to loosen the chokehold corporations and the wealthy have over our democracy.The efforts in the courts are really vital to stem the illegal, unconstitutional actions of the administration, but also to show that there's a way to fight back. In these early days and months of the administration, there's been a sense that Trump is inevitable and unstoppable. And the actions in the courts, I think, have been really critical to illustrating that that's not true.Robert WeissmanIt's open season for the polluters. And of course, they're also promoting in a variety of ways a rush towards climate catastrophe by undoing the positive measures that have come recently from the Biden administration to deal with the climate crisis.Robert WeissmanIf you pull back all the enforcement rules, and you say we're not going to enforce the rules that are left over, corporations get the message. And they're going to bemore reckless, and it's a near certainty that we're going to have many more serious industrial disasters as a direct result of what they're doing at EPA and other agencies.Robert WeissmanBruce Fein is a Constitutional scholar and an expert on international law. Mr. Fein was Associate Deputy Attorney General under Ronald Reagan and he is the author of Constitutional Peril: The Life and Death Struggle for Our Constitution and Democracy, and American Empire: Before the Fall.If we don't inform the public (with the law students as well as others in the lead), we're not going to have rule of law and Harvard Law School will become an irrelevancy. It will be a museum piece.Bruce FeinI think the country and the law students are going to pay a price. They're being very narrow and myopic with regard to their immediate preoccupation with their trade school, where they're going to work the next day, and very little given to the fact that if we don't have a country anymore, they aren't going to have a legal career.Bruce FeinIt's a more cowardly, timid type of law school whose explanations are still ready to be discovered. It's a real puzzle…because they have tenure, they have status, they have wealth, and they have the ability to defend themselves because they're skilled lawyers.Ralph NaderNews 4/2/251. Our top stories this week are on the topic of corporate crime. First, the American Prospect reports that the Trump administration is seeking to reverse a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau case against Townstone, a mortgage brokerage firm that blatantly discouraged potential Black borrowers. According to the Prospect, Townstone's owners Barry Sturner and David Hochberg vigorously promoted their firm though “personal-finance call-in infomercials,” on Chicago's WGN radio station. During these infomercials, which generated 90 percent of Townstone's business, Sturner and Hochberg “characterized the South Side of Chicago as a ‘war zone,' downtown Chicago as a ‘jungle' that turned on Friday and Saturday into ‘hoodlum weekend,'” and so on. As the Prospect notes, if Sturner and Hochberg were simply airing these views that would be perfectly legal, however unsavory. Instead, this program is “an informercial, which generates 90 percent of the brokerage's leads, which the brokerage pays WGN to air, presumably punctuated at regular intervals by some phrase along the lines of ‘an equal housing lender.'” Therefore, this rhetoric was determined to have violated the Fair Housing Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and the Community Reinvestment Act. The remarkable thing about this case is that it was brought by the Trump administration's CFPB between 2017 and 2020. Townstone eventually settled the case for a little over $100,000. Yet, just last week, the Trump administration 2.0 returned the money to Townstone posting “a long press release about how ‘abusive' and ‘unjust' the whole case had been.” This episode highlights just how much more extreme the new Trump administration is, even compared to the old one.2. Another outrageous case of corporate criminal leniency comes to us from Rick Claypool, a corporate crime expert at Public Citizen. For background, CNBC reports that Trump has “pardoned three co-founders of the BitMEX global cryptocurrency exchange, as well as…a former high-ranking employee.” As this piece explains, the co-founders received criminal sentences of probation…and were ordered to pay civil fines totaling $30 million,” after “Prosecutors accused the men of effectively operating BitMEX as a ‘money laundering platform' …[and] ‘a sham.'” But Trump went beyond pardoning the corporate criminals involved. As Claypool noted, “the crypto corporation pled guilty and was sentenced in January to two years' probation,” leading Claypool to wonder whether Trump would pardon the corporation itself. His question was answered on March 29th when Law360 reported that yes, Trump pardoned the business entity. This is the logical endpoint of regarding corporations as people. Not only will individual crooks be let off the hook, the whole crooked enterprise will come out unscathed.3. New evidence confirms the redistribution of wealth from working people to the capitalist class. A February 2025 RAND Corporation study titled “Measuring the Income Gap from 1975 to 2023” finds that, “the bottom 90 percent of workers would have earned $3.9 trillion more with..more even growth rates [since 1975],” resulting in a “cumulative amount of $79 trillion.” This study extends prior estimates by factoring in “inflation, growth in inequality, and a longer time frame.” And even more recently, an April 2025 article in the Journal of Political Economy, titled “How the Wealth Was Won: Factor Shares as Market Fundamentals,” finds that “40% of [the increase in real per capita value of corporate equity, which grew at an annual rate of 7.2% between 1989 and 2017]…was attributable to a reallocation of rewards to shareholders in a decelerating economy, primarily at the expense of labor compensation.” This study estimates “Economic growth accounted for just 25% of the increase,” and compares this period to the preceding era, “1952–88, [which] experienced only one-third as much growth in market equity, but economic growth accounted for more than 100% of it.” Taken together, these studies starkly illustrate an American economic machine built to make the rich even richer and the poor ever poorer.4. On the other end of the criminal penalty spectrum, the Department of Justice announced on Tuesday that they will seek the death penalty for alleged UnitedHealthcare assassin Luigi Mangione, the BBC reports. The first Trump administration saw the resumption of the federal death penalty after a 16-year hiatus; the Biden administration then issued a new moratorium and commuted the sentences of most federal death row prisoners. Since returning to power, Trump has aggressively pursued federal executions once again.5. In more positive legal news, NBC reports French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was found guilty Monday of embezzling over €3 million of European Union funds. The National Rally party leader was sentenced to four years in prison (with two on house arrest and two suspended), a €100,000 fine, and a ban on holding political office for five years – making her ineligible for the 2027 French presidential election, which polls showed her leading. Her party will, for the time being, be led by her protégé 29-year-old Jordan Bardella. It is unclear if he will enjoy the same popularity Ms. Le Pen held. She announced that she plans to appeal the verdict, but will remain ineligible for public office unless and until she wins that case.6. In more international news, British police last week executed a shocking raid on a congregation of the Quakers. The Guardian reports, “More than 20 uniformed police, some equipped with Tasers, forced their way into the Westminster meeting house…[and] seized attenders' phones and laptops.” In a statement, Paul Parker, the recording clerk for Quakers in Britain, said “No one has been arrested in a Quaker meeting house in living memory… This aggressive violation of our place of worship and the forceful removal of young people holding a protest group meeting clearly shows what happens when a society criminalises protest.” The stated charge is the absurd “conspiracy to cause a public nuisance.” A report on the incident in Church Times adds a statement from Oliver Robertson, head of witness and worship for Quakers in Britain, who said “This raid is not an isolated incident. It reflects a growing trend of excessive policing under new laws brought in by the previous government, which are now being enforced by the current administration.” Even former Tory minister Jacob Rees-Mogg, criticized the raid, stating “There has long been a tradition in this country…that religious spaces should not be invaded by the forces of law and order unless absolutely necessary.”7. Of course, the outrageous use of lawfare on Israel's behalf continues in the halls of Congress as well. In a letter, Congressmen Jim Jordan, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, and Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Brian Mast – famous for his role as an American volunteer for the IDF – have announced their intention to investigate activist groups critical of the Israeli government – within Israel. According to the Jerusalem Post, these NGOs are being investigated to, “ascertain whether funding they allegedly received from the Biden administration was utilized for the judicial reform protests in 2023.” These groups include the Movement for Quality Government in Israel and Blue and White Future, among others.8. The government's use of brute force to muzzle criticism of Israel continues to rock academia. At Harvard, the Crimson reports 82 of Harvard Law School's 118 active professors have signed a letter which “accused the federal government of exacting retribution on lawyers and law firms for representing clients and causes opposed by President Donald Trump…described Trump's threats as a danger to the rule of law…[and] condemned the government for intimidating individuals based on their past public statements and threatening international students with deportation over ‘lawful speech and political activism.'” The letter reads, in part, “we share a conviction that our Constitution, including its First Amendment, was designed to make dissent and debate possible without fear of government punishment. Neither a law school nor a society can properly function amidst such fear.” This letter stands in stark contrast to the recent statement by Harvard President Alan Garber, in which he pledged to “engage” with the federal government's demands in order to protect the university's $9 billion in federal funding.9. Last week, we reported on the “lynching” of Hamdan Ballal, the Palestinian co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land – and how the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences dithered before ultimately releasing a milquetoast statement decrying violence against “artists for their work or their viewpoints,” with no mention of Palestine or even Ballal's name. This caused so much uproar among Academy members that nearly 900 of them signed a letter “denouncing the Academy's silence,” per Variety. The letter and full list of signatories can be found here. Shamed, the Academy leadership was forced to issue a follow-up statement expressing their “regret that we failed to directly acknowledge Mr. Ballal and the film by name.” This statement continues “We sincerely apologize to Mr. Ballal…We abhor the suppression of free speech under any circumstances.”10. Finally, speaking of shame, the Hill reports that the shame of Congressional Republicans is giving Democrats a golden opportunity. According to this piece, “House Democrats are ramping up their aggressive strategy of conducting town halls in Republican-held districts, vying to exploit the GOP's advised moratorium on the events to make inroads with frustrated voters, pick up battleground seats, and flip control of the House in next year's midterms.” One Democrat, Bernie Sanders' 2020 campaign co-chair Ro Khanna, has held three town halls in Republican-held districts, whose main takeaway was “People are mad.” Republicans who have bucked the GOP leadership and held town halls anyway, such as Wyoming Rep. Harriet Hageman and Indiana congresswoman Victoria Spartz have found themselves looking down the barrel of constituents furious at the conduct of the administration in general and DOGE in particular. This, combined with the upset Democratic victories in recent special elections, has the GOP on a defensive backfoot for the first time in months. Could we be looking at the beginning of a Democratic tea party? Only time will tell.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

It's Wednesday! Sam and Emma are joined by Robert Weissman, co-president of the non-profit advocacy organization Public Citizen, which has filed 8 lawsuits against the Trump administration and says they have more coming. Later, Rohan Grey, Assistant Professor of Law at Willamette University, discusses his latest research on the Trump administration's attempt to seize direct political control over the core payments software of the Treasury's Bureau of the Fiscal Service, which handles spending for most of the federal government, to block funds to politically disfavored agencies and programs. First, they run through updates on the victory by liberal Susan Crawford in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, Democrats' growing margins in deep-red regions, Trump's tariff fears, the GOP's anger at proxy voting for new parents, Mike Waltz Gmail whoopsie, Senator Cory Booker's marathon filibuster, the closure of free measles vaccine clinics in Texas amid a breakout, Ed Martin nomination for D.C. U.S. Attorney, Tesla's tanking earnings, and the Senate GOP's budget reconciliation, before expanding on the beautiful revelations around the toxicity of Elon Musk in US politics as seen in the incredible leftward swing amid his intense campaigning for conservative Brad Schimel Wisconsin. Robert Weissman then joins, first previewing the typical work of Public Citizen including advocacy, litigation, and organizing on behalf of the public against corporations, touching on everything from trade and consumer financial protection to drug pricing and campaign finance laws. Weissman then unpacks Public Citizens tactical shift under Trump 2.0, walking through the various legal battles they have taken on against Trump's attempt to dismantle the federal U.S. government through executive reform, with a particular focus on their case to save the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – an agency birthed from the 2008 Financial Crisis' overwhelming impact on consumers – also touching on their effort to protect USAID and the Department of Education. Robert, Sam, and Emma expand on these lawsuits' ultimate goal of preventing the full-scale deletion of these agencies, understanding that, even with success, the Trump Administration will constantly be searching for (and finding) new ways to obstruct any accountability or pushback from this project, and focusing instead on ensuring the potential of rebuilding under future leadership, before wrapping up by looking to the upcoming fights over Trump's insistence on using his executive power to fire any and everybody, and the role of “national emergencies” in bolstering executive power. Rohan Grey then joins, diving right into Elon Musk's outrageous (and obviously untrustworthy) agenda of digitizing America's fiscal regime, stepping back to walk through the process by which US fiscal policy operates, with said policy – be it spending, taxation, issuing debt, etc – originating in Congressional legislation, moving through the Office of Management and Budget under the President to manage the allocated spending over the allotted time, to the Treasury's instructions with the Federal Reserve as the ultimate entity in charge of the dollars. After expanding on the utter absurdity of Elon's plan – outside of if, perhaps, you wanted to completely rid the system of accountability or pushback – Rohan, Sam, and Emma parse through DOGE's opaque takeover of the Bureau of Financial Services amid their project to indiscriminately cut funds, including Elon setting up an obvious assault on Social Security, wrapping up by expanding on what a botched system shift for the federal payment systems would look like, and assessing a more realistic idea for bringing our systems into the modern era. And in the Fun Half: Sam and Emma listen to Wisconsin Justice Susan Crawford celebrate winning an election against tens of millions of Elon Musk's money, unpack Elon's very-related copium, and watch Fox try to justify the extensive negative impact Trump's tariffs will have on the American people. The MR Crew also touches on Cory Booker's marathon filibuster (and the tactics underneath it), admires Lauren Boebert's self-assured idiocy, and dissects the blatant inhumanity on display with the Trump Administration's justification for their indiscriminate renditioning of migrants – legal or not – to a Salvadoran gulag, plus, your IMs! 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Monday, March 31st, 2025Today, we're just hours away from the Wisconsin Supreme Court election which will decide the balance of the highest court in the state; law firm Skadden Arps gives $100M in free legal services; the plaintiffs in the Alien Enemies Act case have filed a motion for a preliminary injunction as Judge Boasberg extends his temporary restraining orders; the Trump administration is looking to gut funding to combat child labor abroad; Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul is shot down by the courts after suing to stop Elon from buying votes; RFK Jr is gutting the vaccine promotion and HIV prevention office at HHS after forcing out the FDA's top vaccine scientist; Amy Berman, Judge Jackson if you're nasty, has blocked the dismantling of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; Pete Hegseth hired his brother and then brought his wife to sensitive Pentagon meetings; an appeals court says that Trump CAN fire members of the NLRB and MSPB and plaintiffs Wilcox and Harris are going to seek an en banc reversal; DOGE plans to rebuild the Social Security Administration's code base; thousands turn out for the Tesla Takedown protests over the weekend; a piece on how to think like a dissident; and Allison delivers your Good News.*A previous version of this episode included an interview with Swing Left's Executive director Yasmin Radjy. That interview was meant to run on Thursday. For more about Swing Left and their upcoming 3 to Win campaign check out SwingLeft.org on April 3rd. Thank You, HomeChefGet 18 Free Meals, plus Free Shipping on your first box, and Free Dessert for Life, at HomeChef.com/DAILYBEANS.  Must be an active subscriber to receive free dessert.Stories:The ACLU Has Filed for a Preliminary Injunction in the Alien Enemies Act Case | MuellerSheWroteFederal judge halts Trump administration's policy of deportation to third countries | Miami HeraldFederal judge blocks mass firings of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau workers | CBS NewsJudge blocks Trump executive order targeting law firm tied to Mueller probe | CNN PoliticsTrump administration moves to cut programs that fight child labor abroad | The Washington PostAppeals court clears way for Trump to fire members of labor and workforce protection boards | CBS NewsThe top FDA vaccine official is forced out, cites RFK Jr.'s 'misinformation and lies' | NPRRFK Jr. to gut vaccine promotion and HIV prevention office, sources say | CBS NewsDOGE Plans to Rebuild SSA Code Base in Months, Risking Benefits and System Collapse | WIREDHegseth's younger brother is serving in a key role as liaison and senior adviser inside the Pentagon | AP NewsHow to Think (and Act) Like a Dissident Movement | The BulwarkGood Trouble: The American Psychological Association just suspended their diversity standards under pressure from the Trump admin. Fuck that shit. I wrote a letter to the APA telling them that I am suspending my membership until they reverse this capitulation to fascism and dumb anti-science bull shit.  Good trouble for everyone: write or call the American Psychological Association and tell them that diversity is crucial to mental health.Mailing address:American Psychological Association750 First Street, NEWashington, DC 20002-4242Telephone: (800) 374-2721 or (202) 336-5500Trump and Musk are attempting an illegal power grab is a crisis we must stop. HandsOff2025.comFederal workers - feel free to email me at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen. From The Good NewsSocial Security Fairness Act: Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) update | sea.govDancing Well: The Soldier ProjectFrom Seattle to Miami, anti-Musk protesters gather at hundreds of Tesla locations | NPRVocational Rehabilitation Program - Texas Workforce CommissionReminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! Federal workers - feel free to email me at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen.Share your Good News or Good Trouble:https://www.dailybeanspod.com/good/ Check out other MSW Media podcastshttps://mswmedia.com/shows/Subscribe for free to MuellerSheWrote on Substackhttps://muellershewrote.substack.comFollow AG and Dana on Social MediaDr. Allison Gill Substack|Muellershewrote, Twitter|@MuellerSheWrote, Threads|@muellershewrote, TikTok|@muellershewrote, IG|muellershewrote, BlueSky|@muellershewroteDana GoldbergTwitter|@DGComedy, IG|dgcomedy, facebook|dgcomedy, IG|dgcomedy, danagoldberg.com, BlueSky|@dgcomedyHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/ Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?Supercasthttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/Patreon https://patreon.com/thedailybeansOr subscribe on Apple Podcasts with our affiliate linkThe Daily Beans on Apple Podcasts

The future of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, life for a hostage after his release, and caring for a child with disabilities. Plus, a cat survives the California wildfires, Cal Thomas remembers Reagan's economic recovery, and the Thursday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate.Additional support comes from Ambassadors Impact Network, helping entrepreneurs who are looking for more than just funding. Discover a community of Christian faith-led investors. More at ambassadorsimpact.comWhen we pick up our Bibles, if we're honest, sometimes we lose the thread, especially with some of the strange happenings in Genesis. In From Eden to Egypt, Alex Duke gives everyday Christians accessible insight of these wonderful stories so that they'll see how these seemingly obscure stories connect to Jesus and to our lives. For a chapter preview with pre-order, visit FromEdenToEgyptBook.comLocated in Central Florida, Reformation Bible College seeks to equip students in the knowledge of God and His holiness, that they may glorify and enjoy Him in any career they enter. Established by Dr. R.C. Sproul, RBC's curriculum equips students to know, serve, and worship God in all of life. See what life is like on campus during Spring Preview Day on April 9, 2025. Register at ReformationBibleCollege.org/preview.

President Donald Trump's family business is suing Capital One for closing its bank accounts in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, arguing the bank violated consumer protection laws. Where’s the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau when ya need ’em? Then, Kimberly breaks down two moves by the White House that could have sweeping consequences for law firms who work on cases against the Trump administration. Plus, we’ll weigh in on Trump’s strategic bitcoin reserve and tariff whiplash during a game of Half Full/Half Empty! Oh, and should there be a half-time show at the 2026 World Cup final? Here’s everything we talked about today: “Trump Organization Sues Capital One for Closing Its Accounts” from The New York Times “War heroes and military firsts are among 26,000 images flagged for removal in Pentagon’s DEI purge” from AP News “Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Ensures the Enforcement of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65(c)” from the White House “Trump directs DOJ to seek security bonds for injunctions” from Law and Crime “Trump targets prominent Democratic-linked law firm” from Politico “Your tariff questions, answered.” from the Marketplace newsletter “Why coffee shops like Dunkin’ are dropping nondairy milk fees” from Marketplace “Fed chair signals patience amid Trump's tariff whiplash” from The Washington Post “In a first, the 2026 World Cup final will include a halftime show” from NPR “Can an A.I. Travel Bot Plan Your Trip to NYC?” from The New York Times Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeals to Europe for support as President Trump changes U.S. foreign policy. A tumultuous week at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. More details about the Jan. 29 aerial crash near Washington, D.C.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Elon Musk holds a rambling Oval Office press conference and admits that he and DOGE will make mistakes as they rampage through our government, even as congressional Republicans move forward with a budget that promises massive cuts to healthcare, education, and food assistance to pay for Trump's tax cuts for billionaires. Jon and Dan discuss whether Musk's antics could undermine Trump's agenda, what the Senate's confirmation of RFK Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard means for the GOP, and the White House's attacks on the press. Then, they debut a new segment: "Wait, Did That Really Happen?," featuring this week's most absurd scenes. Later, Lovett sits down with Rohit Chopra, recently forced out as Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, to discuss why Trump and Musk are so determined to shut down the CFPB, and what it means for the rest of us.

Federal judges are starting to do something most elected Republicans won't: say no to Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The question now is, will Trump obey their orders? Jon, Lovett, and Tommy break down all the latest, including new onslaughts against the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the National Institutes of Health, and new allegations of Trump family grift. Then, Jon sits down with Strict Scrutiny's Leah Litman to unpack how Trump is testing the limits of presidential power and pushing constitutional guardrails to the brink. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

In a pre-Superbowl interview on Fox News, President Trump talked about his plans for the Department of Education and Gaza, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has been targeted for closure, and details from an NPR reporter's flight into Gaza with one of Jordan's humanitarian flights into the territory. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Roberta Rampton, Emily Kopp, Nishant Dahiya, Janaya Williams and Alice Woelfle. It was produced by Mansee Khurana, Kaity Kline and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent. And our technical director is David Greenburg.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

With Donald Trump's blessing, Elon Musk and a small crew of inexperienced software engineers take near full control of the government, moving to shut down USAID and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and taking control of a critical payment system at the Treasury Department. Trump delays his trade war with Canada and Mexico by a month after securing minor concessions that were probably already in the works. Meanwhile, congressional Democrats begin to push back harder—though whether it'll be enough is still an open question. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy break down all the latest, and Lovett speaks with former Obama and Biden economic adviser Brian Deese about just how bad things could get if a real trade war kicks off over the next four years.