EPA Fires At Least 8 Employees Who Signed Letter Criticizing Trump's Environmental Rollbacks

The Environmental Protection Agency fired at least eight employees who signed a letter criticizing Trump’s environmental rollbacks, in clear retaliation for exercising free speech and whistleblower protections. The terminated employees were career scientists and policy experts who raised concerns about the administration’s dismantling of clean air standards, water pollution protections, and climate regulations that protect public health. Federal employees have First Amendment rights and statutory whistleblower protections that prohibit retaliation for reporting waste, fraud, abuse, or violations of law. By firing employees solely for signing a critical letter, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin sent a chilling message: dissent will result in termination regardless of legal protections. The firings exemplify institutional capture where agencies meant to protect the public instead serve as enforcement arms for political loyalty. Silencing scientific voices who warn about environmental dangers leaves Americans vulnerable to pollution, contaminated water, and climate impacts while ensuring only politically compliant voices remain in positions to advise on public health threats.