The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it cut grants totaling $1.7 billion. The agency’s administrator, Lee Zeldin, said in a statement, “Working hand-in-hand with DOGE to rein in wasteful federal spending, EPA has saved more than $2 billion in taxpayer money. It is our commitment at EPA to be exceptional stewards of tax dollars.”
In a video statement shared Tuesday, Zeldin reiterated his pledge to cut at least 65% of the EPA’s total spending.
“In 2024, EPA awarded and spent over $63 billion. In 2025, we’re going to massively reduce that. To accomplish our core mission, and power the great American comeback, it actually requires only 35% of that total,” he said. “We don’t want the extra money, and we don’t need it.”
“Working with the talented team at DOGE, I’ve now canceled over $2 billion in DEI and environmental justice grants,” Zeldin said, adding, “The American people can rest assured knowing that with our EPA team, there will be zero-tolerance for wasting even a penny of your tax dollars.”
The EPA previously cut nine contracts related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, saving taxpayers nearly $60 million. “The American people deserve accountability and responsible stewardship of their hard-earned tax dollars. At President Trump’s direction, EPA, with the assistance of DOGE, are reviewing every dollar spent. There will be zero tolerance for waste and abuse, and by canceling these contracts, we are delivering nearly $60 million in immediate savings to the American people,” Zeldin said at the time.
