A Senate Republican gave President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, a tongue-lashing on Thursday over allegations of widespread misconduct at the agency.
Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) expressed his annoyance that acting FDIC Chair Travis Hill — who Trump wants to lead the agency permanently — said no changes were underway after an external investigation in 2024 revealed "pervasive sexual harassment and discrimination," according to Politico.
“I have had enough of this, and if your name came up in front of me right now, I wouldn’t vote for you,” Kennedy said to Hill during a Senate Banking Committee hearing. “Got nothing to do with your policy chops, but I have had enough.”
Kennedy's push back could impact Hill, who has not been personally accused of any misconduct, but might stall his appointment to his position — especially if all the Democrats on the committee vote against him.
The GOP lawmaker ordered Hill to give him a report in 30 days describing how the agency has handled the accusations of harassment among employees and other workplace misconduct claims.
"Otherwise, you can forget about my vote,” Kennedy said.
“Until I’m convinced that they’re not going to sweep this under the rug — and that there’s going to be justice for these young women that they touched and harassed and tried to have sex with — then I’m not going to go for him,” Kennedy added.
Hill responded to Kennedy, saying “reforming the culture continues to be a top priority” at the agency.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) rebuked Hill's claims and said "no record" exists of any moves to address the problems.
Hill was a senior aide and vice chair at the FDIC prior to the 2023 investigation exposing the toxic workplace allegations.
