Trump Asked EPA Employees to Snitch on Colleagues Working on DEI Initiatives. They Declined.

Published: Friday, May 16, 2025 at 11:00 am

EPA Employees Defy Trump's DEI Crackdown, ProPublica Investigation Reveals

**Washington, D.C.** - A ProPublica investigation has revealed that Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employees largely ignored a request from the agency's acting head to report on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives following President Donald Trump's second-term inauguration. The email, sent shortly after Trump took office, sought details on all DEI programs within the EPA, signaling a move to dismantle these initiatives.

The investigation, based on public records requests, found that no employees responded to the plea to report on DEI efforts. This defiance highlights the resistance within the EPA to the administration's efforts to eliminate programs aimed at promoting diversity and addressing environmental justice. Trump had previously signed an executive order labeling DEI initiatives as illegal and immoral discrimination.

The EPA's former acting administrator, James Payne, requested that employees report any DEI-focused programs or personnel. However, a review of the EPA's inbox revealed zero reports. The Office of Personnel Management, the federal government's human resources agency, also failed to respond to a public records request regarding its inbox.

This resistance is particularly noteworthy given the EPA's long-standing commitment to environmental justice, which addresses the disproportionate impact of pollution on communities of color. Corbin Darling, a retired EPA employee with over three decades of experience, stated that he was not surprised by the lack of response, citing the importance of DEI to the agency's mission.

The current EPA administration, under Administrator Lee Zeldin, has taken steps to dismantle DEI and environmental justice programs, including cutting billions in grants and contracts. The agency is also targeting employees whose primary duties are related to DEI or environmental justice for layoffs.

BNN's Perspective: While the desire to streamline government and eliminate perceived waste is understandable, the wholesale dismantling of DEI and environmental justice programs raises concerns. These programs, while potentially needing refinement, address critical issues of fairness and environmental health, particularly for marginalized communities. A balanced approach that evaluates the effectiveness of these programs while ensuring continued progress on environmental justice is crucial.

Keywords: EPA, DEI, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Environmental Justice, Trump, ProPublica, James Payne, Lee Zeldin, Environmental Protection Agency, Public Records, Environmental Justice Grants, Environmental Justice Initiatives, Communities of Color, Discrimination, Federal Government, Biden Administration

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