EPA administrator places 144 employees on leave for opposing Trump policies

On July 3, 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placed 144 employees on administrative leave. This action was initiated by EPA administrator Lee Zeldin in response to a public dissent from these employees against the agency's policies, which they believe undermine the mission to protect human health and the environment. The dissent was highlighted in a declaration signed by 170 EPA employees, indicating that they felt the agency was not fulfilling its core responsibilities under the Trump administration. The dissenters accused the administration of weakening funding and support for essential environmental and health-related research. Zeldin emphasized the agency's zero tolerance policy for any actions deemed as unlawful undermining of the current administration's agenda. He stated that the affected employees were taking advantage of their official positions to push a partisan agenda contrary to the will of the American public, who elected Donald Trump as the president. The affected staff members were temporarily placed in a non-duty, paid status while an administrative investigation was set to be conducted. This decision reflects the divisions within the agency and the broader political controversy surrounding environmental regulations during the Trump administration. The dissenting employees expressed concern over significant cuts to environmental programs and regulations, particularly those that serve minority communities and combat pollution. They feared that the erosion of such protections could lead to dire consequences for public health and environmental sustainability. The action taken by Zeldin is indicative of the contentious atmosphere within the EPA and highlights the significant disconnect between the administration's policy direction and the views of some of its own employees. The letters from dissenting employees also included a mix of anonymous signatories, likely due to fears of retribution. These actions underline the struggle between federal employees and the political appointees overseeing their work, especially in an agency responsible for regulatory policies that can significantly impact public health. As Zeldin moves forward with his reform agenda, he reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the agency aligns with the political goals of the administration, showcasing a determination to reshape the public discourse around environmental protection under the current presidential mandate.