Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) workers across the US took to the streets on March 25, 2025, to protest drastic cuts made by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to the federal agency. The National Day of Action saw marches in 8 cities, with workers and their supporters chanting slogans and holding signs criticizing the administration's moves to dismantle the EPA and weaken environmental protections.

The protests come in response to Trump's executive orders, which bar the EPA from taking enforcement or compliance actions that would "shut down any stage of energy production" unless there's an "imminent and substantial" health threat. Additionally, EPA administrator Lee Zeldin has proposed rollbacks on dozens of rules meant to curb pollution from power plants, oil and gas refineries, chemical plants, cars and trucks, factories, and more. The Trump administration has also moved to shutter the agency's scientific research office and environmental justice offices, with Trump musing about cutting the EPA's budget by 65 percent.

EPA workers, represented by union AFGE Council 238, are concerned about the impact of these cuts on their work and the environment. Suzanne Englot, an attorney who works in enforcement at the EPA, emphasized that her work is not a partisan issue, but rather a matter of ensuring that hazardous waste and toxic substances are properly regulated, disposed of, stored, and handled. Englot expressed her nervousness about the potential changes to her work under the current administration.

Harper Stanfield, an EPA environmental engineer, criticized Elon Musk's influence on the administration's policies, accusing him of perpetuating a climate of fear and targeting federal workers and the mission they carry out to protect human health and the environment. Stanfield emphasized that the EPA cannot be silenced by billionaires and that it is essential to hold the administration accountable for its actions.

The EPA has responded to the protests, stating that it is "listening" to employees and making cuts to comply with Trump's agenda to eliminate programs it considers diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. However, EPA workers and their supporters remain concerned about the long-term implications of these cuts and the potential risks they pose to the environment and public health.

The protests highlight the ongoing struggle between the Trump administration and environmental groups, with the EPA workers calling on Congress to act as a check on the executive branch and support the agency's work. As Englot emphasized, the EPA's work touches everyone's lives, and it is essential to ensure that the agency is allowed to carry out its mission without interference from special interests.

The situation raises questions about the role of billionaires like Elon Musk in shaping environmental policy and the potential conflicts of interest that may arise when they have significant influence over government agencies. As the protests demonstrate, there is growing concern about the impact of these policies on the environment and public health, and it remains to be seen how the administration will respond to these concerns.