Neil Barofsky, the former special inspector general for the 2008 Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), is currently involved in a Justice Department investigation concerning United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain. The investigation focuses on allegations that Fain pressured a union official to provide financial benefits to his fiancée and retaliated against UAW Vice President Rich Boyer for not approving these benefits. Barofsky was appointed as an independent monitor for the UAW in 2021 following a corruption scandal.
Fain has publicly criticized Barofsky, claiming he holds a 'political grudge' against him due to the UAW's support for a ceasefire in Gaza. In a report, Barofsky stated that the investigation substantiated claims of Fain's improper actions to obtain financial benefits for his fiancée. Fain has denied these allegations, asserting that Boyer was removed from his role due to poor performance.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan has not confirmed the existence of the investigation, citing DOJ policy. Barofsky, who has been critical of TARP, expressed concerns about the program's effectiveness in addressing the causes of the 2008 financial crisis in previous statements.