EPA’s direction under Trump draws criticism from former agency head

The Trump administration’s cuts to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have weakened its ability to protect public health, says former EPA administrator Christine Todd Whitman, who warns that environmental oversight is at risk.

Steve Curwood and Paloma Beltran report for Living On Earth.

In short:

• Whitman, who led the EPA under George W. Bush, says the agency's role in protecting air, water, and disaster response is being undermined by deep budget cuts and deregulation under Trump.
• The Forward Party, co-founded by Whitman, aims to provide an alternative for voters dissatisfied with both major political parties, particularly those concerned about climate policy.
• She argues that climate change is a national security threat and criticizes Trump’s approach to governance, warning that his administration is weakening democracy and environmental protections.

Key quote:

“Our democracy is teetering on a knife’s edge.”

— Christine Todd Whitman, former EPA administrator

Why this matters:

The EPA plays a critical role in protecting public health, ensuring clean air and water, and responding to environmental disasters. Deep funding cuts and regulatory rollbacks can lead to increased pollution, long-term health risks, and weakened climate policies. At a time when scientists emphasize the need for stronger climate action, the trajectory of the EPA remains a focal point in the national debate over environmental policy. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent and costly, the agency’s future decisions could shape the country’s ability to respond to the growing climate crisis.

Read more: EPA cancels $20 billion in climate grants amid legal battle