The Trump Administration’s Plan for Protecting Consumers? Politely Ask Companies to Behave.

Reporting Highlights

Weakened Watchdog: After failing to dismantle the CFPB, Russell Vought and his allies have reshaped the bureau into an industry-friendly, less aggressive regulator.

Face Value: The CFPB’s ask-nicely approach faced its first test when a buzzy startup failed its customers, but the CFPB took the company’s word that it fixed its problems.

The New Abnormal: Current and former CFPB staffers say the bureau’s light-touch approach and reliance on political aides breaks from precedent and leaves consumers vulnerable.

These highlights were written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story.