In a sweeping move just days after President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began dismantling decades of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) work — but the agency’s workforce pushed back in silence.
Trump Admin Cracks Down on DEI Program
In an internal email sent by then-acting EPA Administrator James Payne, employees were asked to report any offices, contracts, or personnel linked to DEI work. Two email addresses were listed — one at the EPA and another at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) — inviting staff to identify internal programs or colleagues involved in DEI initiatives.
But according to documents obtained by ProPublica through public records requests, not a single employee out of more than 15,000 responded.
A Silent Stand Against Policy
President Trump, who has made terminating DEIA efforts a hallmark of his second term, signed an executive order labeling such initiatives as “illegal and immoral discrimination programs” on his first day back in office. The order halted federal DEI programs and froze billions in funding to outside institutions, including universities, that engage in related work.
Despite intense pressure from the White House, the EPA’s inbox for DEI reports remained empty. Even emails received from internal addresses did not name colleagues or programs, an agency spokesperson confirmed.
Corbin Darling, a recently retired EPA official who led environmental justice programs in the western U.S., wasn't surprised.
“That’s part of the mission — it has been for decades,” said Darling. “EPA employees know the value of environmental justice and won’t betray that legacy.”
Environmental Justice in the Crosshairs
The Trump administration’s DEI crackdown extends beyond internal programs. Environmental justice initiatives — designed to address pollution and health disparities in marginalized communities — have also been severely curtailed.
Lee Zeldin, confirmed as EPA Administrator in January, has openly championed the rollback. In an April op-ed, Zeldin boasted about slashing over $22 billion in DEI and environmental justice grants and contracts.
“The previous administration’s EPA showered billions on ideological allies, instead of solving environmental problems,” Zeldin wrote.
EPA sources say the agency is now laying off employees whose roles are over 50% tied to DEI or environmental justice. That includes staff who facilitated grant funding for community engagement, radon mitigation, and lead pipe replacement — efforts now considered expendable.
A Culture of Quiet Resistance
Inside the EPA, morale remains mixed. One current employee, speaking anonymously, said:
“Maybe it's because we truly believe DEIA is part of our mission. Or maybe, they dismantled everything so quickly that there was nothing left to fight for.”
The broader message? Federal employees appear unwilling to participate in what many see as a politically motivated purge.
As the administration continues its campaign to erase DEI and environmental justice efforts, a quiet but powerful resistance brews — defined not by protest, but by the refusal to comply.
❓ FAQ: DEI & Environmental Justice Under the Trump Administration
What is DEI and why is it controversial under the Trump administration?
DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The Trump administration views DEI efforts as discriminatory and ideologically driven, prompting executive orders to end all related programs in federal agencies.
Why did the EPA target environmental justice programs?
Environmental justice often overlaps with DEI, focusing on pollution and health risks in marginalized communities. The administration argued these programs were ideologically motivated rather than addressing real environmental problems.
Did EPA employees report on DEI activities as requested?
No. According to documents obtained via FOIA requests, not a single employee responded to the administration's call to report DEI efforts internally.
What are the consequences of ending environmental justice programs?
Communities of color and low-income areas may face increased exposure to environmental hazards without federal intervention. Programs that once funded clean water, pollution control, and community engagement are being dismantled.
How much funding has been cut from DEI and environmental justice?
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin claimed that over $22 billion in grants and contracts related to DEI and environmental justice have been eliminated since January.
Is there still internal support for DEI at the EPA?
Yes. Many current and former EPA employees believe DEI and environmental justice are integral to the agency's mission and refuse to participate in dismantling those efforts.