Letter to EPA chief denounces political interference in environmental protection
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has suspended 139 employees who signed a strongly worded letter criticizing President Trump. The agency’s leadership declared zero tolerance for those perceived as attempting to sabotage the administration’s agenda.
The letter, circulated earlier this week, accused the federal government of disregarding scientific consensus, protecting polluters, and fostering a climate of fear within the agency.
EPA staff condemn political leadership under Trump
In the letter, EPA employees accused the Trump administration of politicizing, dismantling, and sidelining the country’s top federal agency tasked with protecting the environment and public health.
Addressed to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, the statement delivers a sharp rebuke to current political leadership. Zeldin is accused of fully aligning with the president’s agenda at the expense of science.
“EPA staff stand in solidarity with all federal employees and oppose the policies of this administration, especially those that undermine the agency’s mission to protect human health and the environment,” the letter states.
Internal shake-up raises concerns over environmental research cuts
The agency is undergoing a sweeping reorganization that includes dissolving its research office and cutting billions in grant funding. Some key departments are being consolidated, officially to reduce bureaucracy. At the same time, the EPA is expected to promote fossil fuel use, in line with Trump’s executive orders.
According to the letter, EPA press releases and newsletters have consistently echoed Trump’s rhetoric on environmental issues. These publications praised coal as “beautiful” and “clean,” despite it being the most polluting fossil fuel. They also repeatedly referred to Biden’s climate funding as “green slush funds,” though there is no evidence these funds were used improperly.
More than 270 EPA employees had expressed support for the protest, with 139 now under formal investigation. At least 60 employees from the National Institutes of Health had previously issued a similar letter, denouncing what they described as illegal and immoral directives.