President Donald Trump has selected Brian Johnson to be the next director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Johnson, previously a deputy director at the bureau under Kathy Kraninger, is known for his influence during her tenure. He has worked at Patomak Global Partners and Capital One since leaving the CFPB in 2020.

If confirmed by the Senate, Johnson will take over a bureau that has seen declining activity since Trump’s return to office, with his budget director, Russell Vought, temporarily in charge. The CFPB was created following the 2008 financial crisis to regulate consumer financial products independently. Republicans have often attempted to reduce its power, criticizing its broad enforcement capabilities.

Johnson has been a critic of the bureau’s work, especially under Rohit Chopra, appointed by President Joe Biden. He has expressed his belief in reforming the bureau rather than abolishing it, a stance differing from Vought, who advocates for its elimination. Johnson testified before the House Financial Services Committee in 2023, arguing that with proper structure and management, the CFPB could achieve substantial benefits.

Despite his background, Johnson’s nomination has faced criticism, notably from Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a prominent supporter of the CFPB. Warren has been a longstanding critic of Johnson and views the nomination as another attempt to weaken the agency.

Lindsey Johnson, the president and CEO of Consumer Bankers Association, has described Brian Johnson as having a significant history in consumer protection policy. This nomination will be reviewed by the Senate Banking Committee, where Sen. Warren holds a leading Democratic role.