Trump Cutting How Many From EPA?

President Trump made a bold statement at a recent Cabinet meeting, revealing that Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin has proposed reducing the agency’s workforce by as much as 65%. The former New York congressman, who was present at the meeting, has laid out plans to drastically shrink the size of the EPA and accelerate the pace of its operations. Trump’s comments come as part of his broader initiative to reform and streamline the federal government, cutting excess bureaucracy and focusing on the needs of American taxpayers.

The EPA, which currently employs over 17,000 full-time staff members along with more than 1,500 temporary workers, is a target for significant downsizing. Zeldin’s proposed cuts would significantly reduce the agency’s size, reflecting the administration’s push for efficiency and an end to the overreach seen under previous administrations. This move is part of the broader trend of government reform, which includes cutting federal agencies and eliminating wasteful spending.

These proposed layoffs are part of a broader wave of reductions across various federal departments. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is also reportedly undergoing significant cuts, focusing primarily on probationary employees and recent hires. Many of these reductions follow President Trump’s executive order signed in early February, which mandates widespread layoffs across federal agencies. However, the order has already sparked pushback from unions representing government workers, who have filed lawsuits challenging the layoffs.

These job cuts also follow a series of changes initiated by Zeldin at the EPA since taking charge. The EPA has been working to reverse many of the policies put in place by the Biden administration, especially those aimed at combating climate change and promoting renewable energy. Under Zeldin’s leadership, the EPA has taken steps to reclaim funds from the Inflation Reduction Act’s green energy initiatives, which includes freezing certain green bank programs and pushing back on efforts to recognize climate change as an urgent threat to human health.

Zeldin’s work at the EPA is focused on restoring common-sense policies and protecting American industries, providing a balance between environmental protection and economic growth.