Trump: Environmental Protection Agency eyeing to cut 65% of its staffers
President Donald Trump made a significant announcement on Wednesday, hinting that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may be the next agency to face deep cuts as his administration continues to trim down the federal government. During a meeting with his Cabinet members, Trump revealed that EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is considering slashing 65% of the agency’s federal employees.
In his statement, Trump emphasized the need to streamline the EPA’s operations, citing that many employees were not fulfilling their duties and were merely obstructing progress. He mentioned that some individuals on the payroll did not even exist. This move aligns with Trump’s overarching goal of reducing the size and scope of the federal government.
Alongside the potential cuts at the EPA, Trump also suggested that the Department of Education could undergo significant reductions. He reiterated his desire to return education responsibilities to the states, hinting at the possibility of eliminating the Department of Education through an executive order. However, it is important to note that congressional approval is required to completely dismantle a federal agency, as per Article II of the Constitution.
The administration’s efforts to downsize the government have been further emphasized by the establishment of the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. The OMB Director and acting OPM Director issued a memo instructing agencies to prepare for large-scale reductions in force by mid-March. Additionally, DOGE is focused on eliminating wasteful spending and enhancing operational efficiency across government entities.
Elon Musk, in his role at DOGE, has spearheaded initiatives to enhance productivity and accountability among federal workers. Musk’s directive for federal employees to submit a productivity email listing their accomplishments from the previous week has garnered mixed responses. While some agencies advised their staff to disregard the email, Musk has reiterated the importance of identifying and removing non-essential personnel from the government payroll.
The White House reported that a significant number of federal workers complied with Musk’s productivity email request, signaling a willingness to adapt to the administration’s efficiency measures. Moving forward, DOGE will continue to prioritize job preservation for essential workers while addressing performance issues that could lead to job loss.
As the administration pushes forward with its government downsizing agenda, it remains to be seen how these proposed cuts will impact the EPA, Department of Education, and other federal agencies. Trump’s commitment to reducing government bloat and enhancing efficiency underscores the administration’s determination to reshape the federal workforce and operations.
