Saule T. Omarova, President Joe Biden’s controversial pick for U.S. Comptroller of the Currency, has formally withdrawn her nomination for consideration after moderate Senate Democrats voiced opposition to her views.
On December 7th, she informed President Biden asking him to withdraw her nomination after facing growing bipartisan opposition for her extremist views on banking and energy security.
Six Senate Democrats reportedly expressed reservations about Ms. Omarova’s far-left views. Those individuals included Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), John Tester (D-MT), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Mark Warner (D-VA).
Omarova wrote of her decision to withdraw:
“I deeply value President Biden’s trust in my abilities and remain firmly committed to the Administration’s vision of a prosperous, inclusive, and just future for our country. At this point in the process, however, it is no longer tenable for me to continue as a Presidential nominee.”
Naturally, President Biden claimed Republican “smears” about Omarova’s personal background, not skeptical members of his own party, for sinking her nod. President Biden lamented:
“As a strong advocate for consumers and a staunch defender of the safety and soundness of our financial system, Saule would have brought invaluable insight and perspective to our important work on behalf of the American people. But unfortunately, from the very beginning of her nomination, Saule was subjected to inappropriate personal attacks that were far beyond the pale.”
Many organizations, however, welcomed the news of Omarova’s withdrawal.
The withdrawal of Professor Saule Omarova’s nomination for comptroller of the currency following ICBA, community bank, and bipartisan Senate opposition exhibits the importance of community banks to Main Street communities and local economic growth.
Rebecca Romero Rainey, President and CEO, Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA)
This is a victory for capitalism and a win for the people of the freest nation. No one who appreciates the policies of a failed totalitarian regime more than the freedom and opportunity of America should be anywhere near a seat of power. Saule Omarova disdained some private industries and would have engineered the demise of private baking. Omarova’s dangerous views made her the wrong woman for the job and we’re glad she won’t get it.”
Patrice Onwuka, Senior Policy Analyst, IWV
If the Biden administration is looking to rebuild its credibility, it should nominate a U.S. Office of the Comptroller who doesn’t harbor disdain for American free enterprise and small businesses.