As President Donald Trump’s nominee for the chairmanship of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) faces bipartisan doubt regarding his capability to tackle issues of misconduct within the agency, he has disclosed that the two key offices responsible for enhancing its culture are operating with significantly reduced staffing levels.
During a recent confirmation hearing, acting Chair Travis Hill communicated to senators that the Office of Professional Conduct is currently functioning at only 40% capacity, having lost 30% of its roles due to DOGE, with an additional 30% of positions still unfilled. Similarly, the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity reportedly lost 10% of its workforce to DOGE, with an alarming 50% of positions remaining vacant.
These offices were established to address claims of workplace harassment and discrimination, and Hill emphasized their importance as a cornerstone of the FDIC’s cultural transformation initiatives. Despite the staffing cuts—approving reductions of 15-20% across the agency—an FDIC official maintained that these changes have not hindered the offices’ abilities to fulfill their core functions. It was noted that unlike the FDIC, many other agencies operate without dedicated offices for these crucial issues.
The confirmation process for Hill reflects ongoing tensions in Washington as lawmakers seek assurance that the FDIC will take necessary measures to foster a healthier workplace environment. As the situation develops, there remains the potential for collaborative efforts aimed at reinforcing the importance of positive institutional culture and addressing systemic issues.