EPA Suspends 139 Employees Over Letter Criticizing Trump Policies

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has suspended 139 employees who signed a critical open letter accusing Administrator Lee Zeldin of implementing policies harmful to public health and the environment. The letter, published by Standup for Science, highlighted political interference, erosion of scientific integrity, and the reversal of initiatives supporting marginalized communities, along with dismantling the agency's Office of Research and Development. It also accused EPA leadership of using agency communications to spread misinformation and partisan rhetoric. The EPA responded by emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for employees undermining the administration's agenda, which aligns with President Donald Trump's environmental priorities, including rolling back climate regulations, boosting fossil fuel development, and cutting clean energy funding. This move has sparked significant backlash from scientists and environmental advocates who warn of the broader negative impacts on public health and global scientific progress. The discrepancy between the number of letter signatories and those suspended remains unclear.