Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, has released a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) report that details plans to address workplace misconduct and improve accountability within the agency.
The FDIC, which insures deposits and supervises financial institutions in the United States, has faced reports of toxic workplace behavior and management failures. During an October 30, 2025 Senate Banking Committee hearing on nominations, Kennedy stated he would not support Acting FDIC Chair Travis Hill’s nomination until the agency took action to confront its internal issues.
“Attached is the FDIC report I requested about sexual harassment and workplace misconduct at the agency. I am satisfied with the progress the agency is making. I intend to vote to confirm Mr. Travis Hill as FDIC Chairman. This is no country for creepy old men,” said Kennedy.
The newly released Report on Culture Transformation from the FDIC outlines steps being taken to address these problems and create a more professional environment based on respect and transparency.
“The Cleary Report found that, for far too many employees and for far too long, the FDIC failed to provide a workplace safe from sexual harassment, discrimination and other interpersonal misconduct. For the past two years, it has been a priority of mine to reverse these problems and reestablish a strong workplace culture at the FDIC,” said Acting FDIC Chair Travis Hill in the report.
According to findings detailed in the report, 26 employees connected with verified misconduct are no longer with the agency. The FDIC has also reduced its workforce by over 1,300 positions through realignment efforts. The data indicates some employees may have left voluntarily rather than face stricter investigations under new oversight reforms.
Kennedy has regularly advocated for increased oversight at the FDIC. In July 2024, he questioned nominee Christy Goldsmith Romero about an external law firm’s report on numerous harassment claims at the agency. In May 2024, he urged then-President Joe Biden to dismiss former Chair Martin Gruenberg over concerns that Gruenberg’s resignation alone would not resolve ongoing issues or protect affected employees. Kennedy also asked Gruenberg directly if he wished to apologize for documented harassment during his leadership.
The full text of the Report on Culture Transformation can be accessed here: https://www.fdic.gov/news/press-releases/2025/pr25099a.pdf
