The judge prevents the dismantling of the consumer financial protection office

By Michael Kunzelman, Associated Press

Washington (AP) – A federal judge agreed on Friday to prevent the Trump administration from dismantling the financial protection office of consumers, an agency that was targeted for mass dismissals before the court intervention.

American district judge Amy Berman Jackson agreed to issue a preliminary injunction which maintains the existence of the agency until it reigns on the bottom of a trial aimed at preserving the agency. The judge said the court “could and must act” to prevent the agency from being closed.

During a March 10 hearing, Jackson heard testimonies on chaos that broke out inside the agency after government employees were sentenced to work last month. Office manager Adam Martinez said the agency was in “relief” mode after President Donald Trump had drawn his previous director, Rohit Chopra on February 1.

Trump has installed a temporary replacement which ordered the immediate suspension of all agency operations, canceled $ 100 million in contracts and dismissed 70 employees.

Martinez said that the agency’s current leaders had adopted a more methodical approach than they did last month, when representatives of the Elon Musk government Ministry arrived at his headquarters in Washington.

CFPB is responsible for consumer protection against financial fraud and misleading practices. The congress created the office after the 2008 financial crisis. It deals with consumer complaints and examines banks to protect student loans.

Originally published: March 28, 2025 at 1:51 p.m.