CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU SHUTTERS WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS WITHOUT EXPLANATION

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has abruptly closed its Washington, DC headquarters, instructing employees to work remotely without providing a reason. The sudden closure was announced in an email from Adam Martinez, the CFPB’s chief operating officer, on Sunday afternoon.

According to the email, all employees and contractors in Washington were told to “work remotely unless instructed otherwise from our Acting Director or his designee.” The CFPB did not respond to requests for comment on the closure.

The move comes days after Elon Musk tweeted “CFPB RIP” with a tombstone emoji, sparking speculation about the agency’s future. Officials from Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency deleted the CFPB’s X account on Friday night, a person familiar with the matter told CNN.

Vought

The closure also follows the appointment of Russell Vought, who leads the Office of Management and Budget, as acting director of the CFPB. Vought’s takeover has raised concerns about the agency’s future and its ability to protect consumers.