Ex-Citi executive says bank sacked her after raising Trump concerns

1. 1. A former Citigroup executive has filed a lawsuit alleging she was wrongfully terminated after raising concerns about the bank's risk management practices.
2. 2. The executive specifically raised concerns about discussions regarding opening a 'numbered account' for President Donald Trump.
3. 3. Citigroup denies the lawsuit's merit, stating the executive was fired due to substantiated complaints about her behavior.
4. 4. The plaintiff counters that Citi's human resources investigation was a discriminatory and retaliatory 'sham and smokescreen'.
5. 5. Banks are required to conduct enhanced due diligence for 'politically exposed people' (PEPs) such as heads of state due to their higher risk profiles.
6. 6. After President Trump's second term began in January 2025, Citi updated its code of conduct to prohibit discrimination based on political affiliation.
7. 7. Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser maintains a positive relationship with President Trump, who recently praised the bank on social media.