Amid controversy, Eastman faces account closure along with financial fallout
John Eastman, a former attorney for ex-President Donald Trump, finds himself at the center of another controversy. He recently revealed that both Bank of America and USAA closed his accounts unexpectedly. Eastman believes this action is linked to his involvement in advising Trump during the 2020 election.
A Double De-Banking
According to a letter obtained by the Daily Caller, Bank of America informed Eastman of the decision to close his accounts in September 2023. USAA followed suit shortly after in November, leaving Eastman and his wife scrambling to shift their automatic payments and deposits. They had both personal and USAA accounts, the latter being a benefit of his father-in-law’s military service.
USAA’s Stand
USAA defended their actions by referencing their “Depository Agreement,” which allows them to close accounts without prior notice. The agreement also stipulates a minimum of seven days for customers to withdraw their funds. Despite numerous inquiries, both banks remained tight-lipped about the specific reasons behind the closures. An audio recording of Eastman’s call to Bank of America further highlights the banks’ lack of transparency.
The Rise of “De-Banking”
The act of “de-banking” has gained attention recently. It involves financial institutions denying services to individuals, often based on political affiliations or activism. Eric Bledsoe, an expert on the subject, criticized these decisions. He noted that banks frequently withhold reasons for such actions, leaving customers in the dark.
Political Motives or Regulatory Hassles?
While neither bank has explicitly stated the reasons for closing Eastman’s accounts, he suspects political motives behind the move. “I’m almost certain they either didn’t want to do business with me or didn’t want the regulatory hassles of doing so. Either way, it’s rather despicable,” Eastman commented.
Eastman’s Legal Woes
The closure of Eastman’s accounts comes on the heels of a recommendation for his disbarment by Judge Yvette Roland in California. The judge found Eastman’s efforts to challenge the 2020 election results to be lacking in evidence and credibility. Roland’s recommendation alleges that Eastman collaborated with Trump in an attempt to overturn the election. She described his actions as desperate and undermining confidence in the electoral process.
What Lies Ahead?
With Eastman’s legal challenges and the sudden closure of his bank accounts, the path forward remains uncertain. The combination of legal battles and financial setbacks could have broader implications for Eastman’s standing in the legal community and his personal finances.
The closure of John Eastman’s accounts by Bank of America and USAA underscores the challenges faced by individuals involved in high-profile political controversies. While banks have the discretion to close accounts based on their policies, the lack of transparency and potential political motivations raise questions about the fairness of such actions. As Eastman navigates both legal and financial challenges, the situation serves as a reminder of the complex intersections between politics, law, and personal finance.
