Lee Zeldin shuts down EPA museum after wasteful spending

In the United States, Lee Zeldin, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, announced the closure of the National Environmental Museum and Education Center, situated near the White House, on April 1, 2025. The museum, which opened in May 2024 under the Biden administration, was built for $4 million and attracted less than 2,000 visitors within its first ten months of operation, resulting in an operating cost of over $600,000 per year that taxpayers had to cover. Despite being free to visit, the high expense per visitor—approximately $315—highlighted its inefficiency and lack of public interest. The museum’s focus on environmental justice and climate change was criticized by Zeldin and his administration, which argued that the museum presented a biased narrative that favored the Biden administration's environmental agenda while neglecting achievements from prior administrations, particularly those during Donald Trump's presidency. Ephemeral and brief in visibility compared to other national landmarks like the Smithsonian, the museum was perceived as a political instrument rather than a genuine educational establishment intended to benefit public knowledge on environmental matters. Consequently, Zeldin’s decision to close the museum has been framed as a responsible move to redirect taxpayer funds back towards the agency’s more pressing mission of protecting the environment. By terminating the operating costs of the museum, he aims to confront previous expenditures deemed overly lavish and misaligned with the agency's core dedication to providing clean air, land, and water. Zeldin has also prioritized cutting down significant costs previously allocated under the Biden administration for climate-related projects, totaling $20 billion in grants. Critics and supporters alike have weighed in on the museum’s closure; supporters applaud it as a step towards responsible fiscal management, while opponents argue that it dismantles a vital public resource aimed at promoting environmental awareness and education. The decision reflects a broader shift in agency focus towards practicality and accountability rather than ideological pursuits, aiming to fulfill foundational environmental commitments while minimizing waste. As such, Zeldin's administration has communicated its intention to reestablish public trust and efficiency within the EPA’s operative landscape.