Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf was testifying before Congress today, answering claims by the Senate Banking Committee that Wells Fargo employees opened more than 2 million dummy credit cards and accounts to meet sales projections — and addressing the fury over reports that the woman in charge of the program is getting a $124 million golden parachute.
Stumpf faced down a rabid Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who questioned Stumpf like he was holding long-lost evidence of JonBenet Ramsey’s killer, and even Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton got involved. Stumpf eventually denied that the scandal had sunk Wells Fargo, but did apologize for losing the faith of his customers.
This morning, though, the focus wasn’t so much on John Stumpf’s remarks, his answers, or his apology — or even on Warren’s hardcore interrogation — but on the CEO’s mangled right hand.
Apparently, Stumpf was both figuratively and literally roughed up by the scandal.
Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf Facing Senate Panel Over Accounts Scandal – ABC News https://t.co/8xGtppXRK0 pic.twitter.com/Ry6ex79gs7
— hypervocal (@hypervocal) September 20, 2016
Stumpf says that he sustained the injury roughhousing with his grandchildren, but Twitter has other theories.
what is that on #stumpf 's right hand? did he injure himself opening Swiss bank accounts this weekend? @cnbc
— CNBC_critc (@CNBC_critc) September 20, 2016
"Oh, and I hurt my hand beating up an old woman on the way here, for which I'm also sorry" – Stumpf $WFC
— Rob Smith (@RobInTheBlack) September 20, 2016
Just noticed the brace/bandage on John Stumpf's right hand during Wells Fargo hearing. Carpal tunnel? Did Warren Buffett rough him up? $WFC
— Paul R. La Monica (@LaMonicaBuzz) September 20, 2016
@cspan @SenWarren #WellsFargo Chairman Stumpf's hand is bandaged; when you shake on a deal with the Devil remember to wear fireproof gloves.
— Jim Burn (@MayorJimBurn) September 20, 2016
A “Wells Fargo cookie jar” incident was a popular choice.
John Stumpf got caught with his hand in the cookie jar – it’s that or it’s from the wrist slap he received. #GoToJail pic.twitter.com/sZJtJvQF22
— Alan Bau (@alanbau) September 20, 2016
What happened to #Stumpf's right hand? Crushed by the top of the cookie jar finally being slammed down? @CNBCnow Fire, charge, disgorge.
— Grant Buchan-Terrell (@OntBizAttorney) September 20, 2016
As was a Warren-related wrist-slap.
John Stumpf may have an injured hand, but after that Warren tongue-lashing, his pride probably hurts worse. $WFC https://t.co/B3Q6beh6TJ
— Michael Rapoport (@rapoportwsj) September 20, 2016
@CNBC on Stumpf "How did he injur his hand was it shaking hands with Elizabeth Warren?" She took him to the woodshed!
— Jamal A. Middleton (@JamalMiddleton) September 20, 2016
@jschembs Did Warren break Stumpf's hand? Don't mess with the Oracle…
— Is This Thing On? (@JBierne) September 20, 2016
Unfortunately for Stumpf, this won’t be the last time he’s hauled before Congress to face down an angry horde of banking regulators. Next time, he should probably wear body armor.
