Stop Trump’s Retaliation Politics: Protect Banks from Political Bullying

The Trump-backed executive order on “debanking” is a thinly veiled threat. Kris Kobach and like-minded AGs pressured Bank of America over its cooperation with an FBI investigation into Capitol rioters. The bank’s actions were legal; part of a federal program covered by financial regulation, not political whim. Democracy depends on independent institutions, not retaliation. Bank of America already confirmed it acted lawfully under a Treasury program. Financial scholars warn that punishing banks for following the law subverts the rule of law. “When governments squeeze institutions for compliance, they don’t protect freedom, they dismantle it,” observes law professor Anne Richards. If banks can be coerced into compliance with political agendas, what happens next? Universities. Fact-checkers. Journalists. We demand Congress intervene. Pass legislation safeguarding depository institutions from political retribution. Launch hearings to investigate attempts to weaponize political leverage. Stand for the rule of law, we can’t allow political pressure to become a tool against dissent. If America is to remain free, financial services must remain independent.