Allied Progress statement on departure of top CFPB aide Eric Blankenstein who was behind numerous racist and sexist blog posts

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 15th, 2019) — Reaction from Allied Progress spokesman Jeremy Funk: “What took so long? For over five months, Director Kraninger tolerated the racist views of a top aide that had no business overseeing lending discrimination matters on behalf of America’s consumers. She should have fired Mr. Blankenstein on her first day, but instead brought him along on “listening tours.” At a recent Senate hearing, she couldn’t bear to read aloud Blankenstein’s racist writings, yet valued his judgement and input enough to have him represent her at high-level meetings. That raises serious questions about her own judgement and character.”

According to Bloomberg Law, “Blankenstein, who was put into that position by former acting Director Mick Mulvaney, faced criticism from consumer advocates, Democratic lawmakersand even some CFPB colleagues after pseudonymous blog posts he wrote in 2004 emerged last year. Those blog posts included claims that most hate crimes reported by minorities were hoaxes and questioning whether using the “n-word” was racist. … Current CFPB Director Kathleen Kraninger said that the bureau would review those blog posts, but she kept Blankenstein at the bureau. He took part in Kraninger’s listening tour, sitting in on meetings with industry representatives, consumer advocates and civil rights groups, according to multiple sources.”

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