Bazinga! The Feds Are Investigating if Trump Tried to 'Fun with Flags' the Consumer Watchdog

A Most Disturbing Development Indeed!

As a staunch advocate for intellectual pursuits and the preservation of order I Sheldon Cooper Ph.D. Sc.D. am compelled to address a most concerning development. It appears that the Federal Reserve's Inspector General is to put it in layman's terms 'meddling' in the affairs of the previous administration specifically regarding the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). My initial reaction? 'Bazinga!' – but this time tinged with a hint of intellectual outrage. Is nothing sacred?

The Plot Thickens (Like Howard's Mother's Stew)

Senators Elizabeth Warren and Andy Kim individuals whose political inclinations I may or may not find entirely agreeable have requested an investigation into the Trump administration's attempts to shall we say 'reorganize' the CFPB. Allegedly this involved potential workforce reductions and the cancellation of contracts. This reminds me of the time I attempted to 'reorganize' Penny's apartment resulting in a minor yet significant existential crisis for all involved. The Inspector General's office in a letter (dated June 6 mind you) confirmed they're expanding their review. Fascinating.

Enter Russell Vought Stage Left (or Right Depending on Your Political Alignment)

Enter Russell Vought the Trump administration's acting CFPB head. He apparently told employees to halt work while simultaneously exploring staff layoffs and contract terminations potentially with the assistance of individuals from Elon Musk's 'Department of Government Efficiency.' Yes Elon Musk the man who sends rockets into space is now apparently involved in bureaucratic efficiency. This is precisely the type of cross disciplinary application that excites me though I question the practicality. Though I like Elon Musk the notion of government efficiency is as ludicrous as Howard Wolowitz claiming to be a ladies' man.

GAO Joins the Fray (Like Another Player in Settlers of Catan)

Not to be outdone the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has also decided to weigh in launching its own investigation. It appears everyone wants a piece of this bureaucratic pie. It’s reminiscent of a particularly tense game of Settlers of Catan where everyone is vying for resources and strategic advantage. Only in this case the resources are taxpayer dollars and the strategic advantage is…well I'm not entirely sure but I suspect it involves power and influence. As Sheldon Cooper I'm no fan of group activities. In this case each entity (Fed IG GAO Senators etc.) is trying to solve the issue on hand.

A Looming Decision (Like the Schrödinger's Cat of Legal Judgments)

The fate of the CFPB now hangs precariously in the balance subject to the whims of a federal appeals court. Judges have temporarily halted the layoffs but the Trump administration is appealing. This is like Schrödinger's cat: the CFPB is simultaneously functional and dysfunctional until the court renders its decision. The suspense is almost unbearable. Almost. I've faced more intellectually stimulating predicaments while attempting to solve string theory.

Michael Horowitz: The New Sheriff in Town (Maybe?)

Adding another layer to this already complex tapestry Michael Horowitz is stepping in as the incoming watchdog for both the Fed and the CFPB. Apparently he was praised by Trump supporters for uncovering issues with the FBI's handling of the 2016 campaign probe. Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing depends entirely on one's perspective which as we all know is often skewed by personal biases and emotional reasoning. As I often say 'I'm not insane my mother had me tested.' The only thing that would make this more interesting would be if Leonard were somehow involved.