U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin plans to cut 65% of the agency’s workforce — a move that surprised staff.
Speaking at his first cabinet meeting, Trump revealed the plan while downsizing czar Elon Musk pledged to swiftly slash federal spending.
“I spoke with Lee Zeldin, and he thinks he’s going to be cutting 65 or so percent of the people from environmental [sic],” Trump said. “And we’re going to speed up the process too at the same time.”
While the EPA didn’t confirm the exact figure, a spokesperson stated the agency aims to cut federal grants, reassess its real estate footprint, and restructure its personnel for efficiency.
“President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin are united in creating a more effective federal government,” the spokesperson said.
The announcement blindsided EPA staff, with union leaders expressing frustration. Joyce Howell, executive vice president of AFGE Council 238, questioned how Zeldin could uphold the EPA’s mission while supporting massive layoffs.
“So which is it? Upholding the EPA mission or imposing cuts that make it impossible?” Howell asked.
So far, the EPA has terminated nearly 400 probationary employees and placed 200 on leave, many working on environmental justice issues.
A memo released before the meeting called for “significant reductions” but did not specify numbers, beyond the 100,000 civilian federal workers already laid off or bought out.
The sweeping government overhaul has so far dismissed more than 20,000 workers, frozen foreign aid, and disrupted construction projects and scientific research — though spending has yet to slow.
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