Top #MeToo Democrats Support FDIC Chair Despite Toxic Workplace Allegations

Prominent Democrats who once led the charge in the #MeToo movement are now backing Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) chair Martin Gruenberg, even after a damning report exposed widespread sexual harassment and misconduct at the agency during his tenure. Gruenberg announced his resignation last week following the report’s release.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), who previously demanded the resignation of her former colleague, Sen. Al Franken (D-MN), over a groping photo, is now urging Gruenberg to stay, fearing his departure would give Republicans “a veto over bank policy.” Warren went as far as sending former aides to prep Gruenberg for a House hearing.

Similarly, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee, defended Gruenberg, criticizing the report for overlooking the conduct of previous Republican chairs and emphasizing Gruenberg’s “favorable ratings” from FDIC employees. This stance appears to contradict Waters’ previous calls for the imprisonment of a Fox News host accused of sexual harassment during the height of the #MeToo movement.

The Wall Street Journal’s investigation uncovered a toxic and sexualized environment at the FDIC, with male supervisors inviting employees to strip clubs, engaging in sexual relationships with subordinates, and sending lewd photos to female employees. Despite these revelations, progressive activists worry about the political consequences of Gruenberg’s departure, which could result in a stalemate on the agency’s board of directors.