Trump EPA fires hundreds in eliminating DEI
President Donald Trump’s administration is making significant changes at the Environmental Protection Agency, with over 450 employees being fired or reassigned in a move to eliminate “environmental justice” programs. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the employee reshuffling, stating that 280 staffers would be terminated, while 175 others would be reassigned. The affected roles were primarily in the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, the Office of Inclusive Excellence, and various EPA regional offices.
A spokesperson for the EPA told Axios, “EPA is taking the next step to terminate the Biden-Harris Administration’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Environmental Justice arms of the agency.” Zeldin explained during a press conference that taxpayer dollars allocated for environmental justice issues were not being effectively utilized and were often mismanaged.
In a related development, Zeldin initiated discussions with Mexico regarding the ongoing sewage contamination issue that originates in Tijuana and flows over the border, polluting California’s coastlines. Zeldin visited San Diego to address the matter, highlighting the impact on areas like the training grounds for Navy SEALs.
“The Americans on our side of the border who have been dealing with this… for decades, are out of patience,” Zeldin emphasized. He expressed a sense of urgency in resolving the sewage problem, acknowledging the frustration of local residents enduring the environmental hazards caused by the contamination.
Zeldin met with Mexican officials to discuss the sewage flow into U.S. waters and conveyed the Mexican environmental secretary’s commitment to collaboratively address the issue. The EPA chief emphasized the need for a strong partnership between the U.S. and Mexico to tackle the pollution problem effectively.
The EPA’s actions under the Trump administration mark a shift away from the focus on environmental justice issues pursued by the previous administration. By prioritizing cost-effective measures and addressing critical environmental challenges like cross-border pollution, the EPA aims to streamline its operations and deliver more tangible outcomes for the communities it serves.
As these changes unfold at the EPA, the agency is poised to adopt a more focused approach to environmental protection, balancing regulatory priorities with practical solutions to address pressing environmental concerns. The collaboration with Mexico on sewage contamination underscores the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding the environment and public health.
Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. For more information and updates, follow Anders on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.
