CFPB resurgence sparks debate over weaponized regulation

The CFPB is reaccelerating under Acting Director Russell Vought after attempts to shut it down faced court blocks, with a new director nomination for Brian Johnson, a partial return to in-person staffing, and a push to re-open offices and tighten oversight of small lenders. The agency has issued rules that could limit immigrant access to credit and is pursuing enforcement changes, prompting concerns from consumer advocates that the revival serves conservative aims and outlets for big banks, even as court battles stall significant staff cuts and consolidation plans.