Washington, D.C. – Today, President-elect Donald Trump nominated financial services executive Paul Atkins to lead the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Atkins, who is the current CEO of Patomak Global Partners, previously served as an SEC Commissioner in the George W. Bush administration and has been a vocal critic of ESG.
In response to the nomination, Unlocking America’s Future Spokesperson Kyle Herrig said the following:
“The nomination of Paul Atkins to head the SEC is in line with President-elect Trump’s commitment to dismantle ESG, as outlined in his Project 2025 agenda. Atkins’ mission to roll back accountability and transparency should raise alarm for the future of responsible investing. His leadership would put the current SEC climate risk disclosure rule in danger and surely put a stop to any progress on ESG, which are critical for building a resilient American financial system, protecting the financial security of America’s retirees, and maintaining America’s leadership on the global stage.”
As a frequent contributor and speaker for extreme judicial advocacy organization the Federalist Society, Atkins has repeatedly argued that responsible investing policy violates the law. Atkins has publicly voiced his disdain for the SEC’s landmark climate disclosure rule, which would enhance transparency in the financial system and empower investors and retirees with more information. In an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal, he denounced the rule as “unlawful,” claiming that it would be an overstep of the regulatory body’s powers and authority.
