CFPB Gets New Acting Director
WASHINGTON—Mark Paoletta automatically became acting director of the CFPB on Saturday following the expiration of Russell Vought’s authority to serve in the role under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.
Paoletta, who had been serving as the Bureau’s chief legal officer and acting deputy director, succeeds Vought under the CFPB’s statutory succession provisions.
The leadership transition had been anticipated for months after the CFPB promoted Paoletta to deputy director in late May. Legal analysts noted that once Vought’s acting authority expired, the Consumer Financial Protection Act required the deputy director to assume the acting director’s responsibilities in the absence of a Senate-confirmed director.
Paoletta has played a central role in the Trump Administration’s reshaping of the CFPB, serving as the agency’s chief legal officer while helping implement efforts to scale back enforcement, supervision and rulemaking. He also serves as general counsel at the Office of Management and Budget, where Vought remains director.
The leadership change comes as President Trump awaits Senate action on his nominee to permanently lead the CFPB, Brian Johnson. Analysts have said Paoletta can continue serving as acting director while the nomination is pending, providing continuity for an agency that has undergone significant organizational and policy changes during the Trump Administration.
