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ARTICLE · 04 AUGUST 2026

Paoletta Becomes CFPB Acting Director

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Mark Paoletta has assumed the role of Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau following Russell Vought's term expiration under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act. While President Trump's nominee Brian Johnson awaits Senate confirmation after his July hearing, the Bureau continues operating under acting leadership with Vought reportedly staying on as senior adviser.

United StatesGovernment, Public Sector
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CFPB Deputy Director Mark Paoletta has become the Bureau’s Acting Director following the expiration of Russell Vought’s service as Acting Director on August 1. Under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, Vought could serve as Acting Director only for a limited period.

President Trump has nominated Brian Johnson to serve as the CFPB’s next Director, but the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs has not yet voted on his nomination. The Committee held Johnson’s confirmation hearing on July 23 and gave him until the end of July to respond to written questions submitted by Senators. At this time, Johnson’s responses to those questions are not publicly available. Until the Senate confirms Johnson and he is sworn into office, the Bureau will continue to operate under acting leadership.

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