The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has dismissed several employees who signed a letter critical of the Trump administration’s environmental policies in late June. While the agency did not disclose the exact number, union officials told The Washington Post that at least seven employees were terminated. The letter, titled a “Declaration of Dissent,” accused the government of harmful deregulation, disregarding scientific consensus to benefit polluters, and fostering a culture of fear within the agency.
In early July, the EPA had already placed around 140 employees on administrative leave after they endorsed the petition, warning that it had “zero tolerance” for actions perceived as undermining the government’s agenda. An agency spokesperson said the petition contained inaccurate information meant to mislead the public and added that personnel decisions were made on an “individualized basis” following a review.
The move has sparked criticism from labor representatives, who argue the dismissals are a direct attack on free speech and workers’ rights. “The Trump administration and EPA’s retaliatory actions against these workers was clearly an assault on labor and free speech rights,” said Justin Chen, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Council 238, which represents over 8,000 EPA employees nationwide.
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