White House prepares order to penalize banks for discriminating against conservatives - WSJ

White House prepares order to penalize banks for discriminating against conservatives - WSJ

The White House is preparing an order to penalize banks that are alleged to have discriminated against conservative customers, according to a report published by the Wall Street Journal [WSJ]. The order aims to address concerns that some financial institutions have been unfairly targeting conservative customers, a practice that the administration has deemed discriminatory.

The move comes as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to address perceived bias in various sectors, including higher education and financial services. In recent weeks, the administration has reached settlements with several Ivy League universities, including Brown University and Columbia University, over allegations of antisemitism and racial bias in admissions and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts [1].

In a separate development, the White House has also announced plans to expand the White House with a new state ballroom, designed by Clark Construction and AECOM. The project, valued at $200 million, is set to begin in September and is expected to be completed before the end of Trump's term [2].

Cornell University is also in negotiations with the White House over a potential settlement that could reinstate hundreds of millions of dollars in frozen federal research funding. The talks, which are ongoing, could result in an agreement similar to the one reached with Columbia University, which includes a resolution monitor to oversee the changes [3].

These developments highlight the administration's focus on addressing perceived bias and ensuring fair treatment across various sectors. However, the specific details and implications of the order to penalize banks remain unclear, and it is not yet known what penalties will be imposed or how the administration will define and enforce discrimination against conservative customers.

References:
[1] https://www.wunc.org/2025-07-31/brown-university-strikes-agreement-with-white-house-to-restore-lost-federal-funding
[2] https://www.enr.com/articles/61134-white-house-picks-clark-and-aecom-for-200m-state-ballroom
[3] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/cornell-close-to-100m-white-house-settlement/articleshow/123067881.cms