Harper, Otsuka removed from NCUA

April 17, 2025

America’s Credit Unions is working to gather more information from the agency and Trump Administration and will continue its advocacy efforts to ensure a strong credit union industry.  

NCUA Board Members Todd Harper and Tanya Otsuka have been removed from their positions at the agency. This leaves Chairman Kyle Hauptman as the sole member.  

Under the Federal Credit Union Act (FCU Act), without at least two members on the board, the NCUA is unable to implement any new action but the agency can still perform its supervisory and examination duties. The NCUA cancelled the board meeting originally scheduled today.  

“America’s Credit Unions has consistently supported a strong, independent regulator for our industry. While today’s news brings a bit of uncertainty to the NCUA, credit unions can rest assured that America’s Credit Unions will continue to engage the Trump Administration and Members of Congress on the unique structure and needs of credit unions to ensure the industry can effectively serve its 142 million members and support a thriving national economy,” said America’s Credit Unions President/CEO Jim Nussle.  

There are a few possible scenarios for what could happen next, but no indication what may actually take place. America’s Credit Unions also convened a meeting of all Leagues Wednesday to discuss and share intel and plans. Additional FAQs on what this could mean for the agency are available here.

  • President Trump may now nominate either one or two new board members to fill these vacant positions. At least one must be from a different political party, as statutorily required by the FCU Act; or
  • Litigation challenging the removal of board members.  This has happened in response to firings at other independent agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission and National Labor Relations Board.  

America’s Credit Unions will keep credit unions informed of developments. The association is also monitoring the budget reconciliation process, where lawmakers could potentially include other legislative actions related to spending and tax policy.  

America’s Credit Unions, leagues, and credit unions continue advancing a unified advocacy strategy to showcase how the industry goes above and beyond to serve its members and communities – the very same Americans that Congress and the Trump Administration serve: Teachers, farmers, military members and veterans, first responders, and families.