EPA Places Over 140 Employees on Leave Over Anti-Trump Letter

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has placed between 139 and 144 employees on administrative leave pending investigations after they signed a public "Declaration of Dissent" criticizing the agency's direction under President Donald Trump's administration. The dissenting employees accused the EPA of harmful deregulation, ignoring scientific expertise, dismantling research offices, and undermining public trust, all while weakening environmental and public health protections. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and agency spokespeople characterized the employees' actions as unlawful attempts to sabotage the administration's agenda, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy toward such dissent. The employees received paid, non-duty leave for two weeks as investigations proceed, although the EPA stated this was not a disciplinary action. The mass suspension drew criticism from unions and advocates who viewed it as retaliation and a violation of First Amendment rights. Similar declarations at the National Institutes of Health did not result in suspensions, highlighting a stark contrast in agency responses to employee dissent.