Wells Fargo managers responded with defensive denials, almost a groupthink of delusions. Wells Fargo's culture did not embrace reports of wrongdoing but punished those who raised concerns in order to continue with a culture premised on a misunderstanding and paranoid strategy of preservation. As the walls of defense started to crumble under government investigations, eventually Wells Fargo had to acknowledge and admit the problems that developed. Even when the CFPB settlement for $185 million was announced, senior executives sought to protect themselves by blaming lower level managers, citing the firing of 5300 employees and claiming that this was not a matter that was known or should have been known by senior management. Wells Fargo's crisis management strategy, to the extent there was one, reflected the long-simmering rotten culture eating away at Wells Fargo. Stumpf's appearances on Capitol Hill reflected his complete lack of awareness and sensitivity to the real and significant harm to consumers.