CFPB’s Chopra Stands Firm, Signals He Won’t Step Down Voluntarily

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Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Rohit Chopra made it clear Wednesday that he intends to remain in his position until the incoming Trump administration removes him, signaling his commitment to his role despite the looming change in leadership.

During a Senate Banking Committee oversight hearing, Chopra addressed speculation about his future, stating he would not resign when President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in on Jan. 20. Unlike some Biden-appointed regulators who have pledged to step down, Chopra emphasized his five-year term as CFPB director, which extends to 2026.

“I was confirmed for a five-year term,” Chopra told senators, while acknowledging that the U.S. Supreme Court has affirmed a president’s authority to fire directors at will. “The president can remove us at any time, any day, and we obviously completely respect that,” he said.

Observers widely anticipate that if Chopra doesn’t resign, Trump will move swiftly to replace him. Throughout his tenure, Chopra has been a staunch advocate for consumer protections, frequently challenging the financial industry and clashing with Republican lawmakers.