
The House Oversight Committee, led by Rep. James Comer, is investigating allegations of political discrimination by major U.S. financial institutions, including Bank of America. The investigation follows claims that conservatives, including high-profile figures, energy industry professionals, and members of the Trump family such as Melania and Barron Trump, have been denied banking services due to their political views. This practice, referred to as 'debanking,' has drawn criticism from lawmakers and former President Donald Trump, who publicly admonished Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan during the World Economic Forum. Trump accused the bank of discriminating against conservatives, a claim the bank denies, stating it does not close accounts based on political or religious beliefs. The Senate Banking Committee, chaired by Sen. Tim Scott, is also set to hold hearings on the issue. The controversy has reignited discussions about regulatory practices, including the legacy of 'Operation Choke Point,' environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies, and the role they play in banking decisions. Meanwhile, states like Florida and Tennessee have passed laws prohibiting financial institutions from discriminating based on political or religious beliefs. Witnesses, including CEOs and legal experts, are expected to testify in upcoming congressional hearings.
The Senate Banking Committee will hold a hearing next week to address concerns that some financial institutions cut off customers because of their political views, a practice known as "debanking." https://t.co/pmZ4oVLCxg
CAN JP MORGAN DE-BANK CONSERVATIVES? @rebeccawalser shares what banks are doing to close themselves to differing opinions. @thebeaudavidson @EmilyRoseFinn https://t.co/PcZpi1FcN8
Tim Scott’s banking committee goes after financial institutions engaged in political ‘debanking’ https://t.co/pDmrQwrbcX https://t.co/qGPzOrMmad