- Trump’s freeze on EPA grants threatens the stability of environmental programs.
- Over 1,000 EPA employees face the risk of losing their jobs under current cuts.
The Trump administration is making good on its pre-election promise to slash spending, setting its sights on the Environmental Protection Agency as part of a broader effort to shrink the federal workforce. Alongside discussions of potentially abolishing the Education Department, the administration is taking steps to gut the EPA from within, leaving more than 1,000 employees uncertain about their future.
Many EPA staffers who have been with the agency for less than a year received an email notifying them that they are in a “probationary/trial period” and could be let go at any time. The message served as a stark reminder that their roles aren’t guaranteed, raising concerns about widespread cuts.
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Speaking with NBC News, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Council 238, which represents roughly 8,500 EPA staff, approximately 1,100 workers received this email. However, she confirmed that as of this week, none of these probationary employees have been let go.
“It was scary for people to receive the message, as you can imagine, and we’re inundated with questions from those folks. The agency obviously can dismiss probationary employees, but it has to be for cause.”
There’s no word on precisely how many EPA jobs the Trump administration plans to cut, but they are among many other federal employees to have been offered buyouts from the government. EPA spokesperson Molly Vaseliou indicated the agency is looking to do its part to improve government efficiencies.
“The EPA is diligently implementing President Trump’s executive orders and associated guidance,” she said. “Our goal is to be open and transparent. As we work to improve efficiencies across the government, it is essential that all staff understand the law and how policy decisions may impact them. Ultimately, the goal is to create a more effective and efficient federal government that serves all Americans.”
It’s not just EPA employees that are in the crosshairs of the new President. Trump has frozen EPA access to grant awards funded through Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. The impact of this freezing fund is already being felt.
Speaking with Politico, many recipients say they have had to lay out money for expenses, including payroll and rent, and don’t know if or when they will be reimbursed.
