Career federal employees lauded by Trump nominees, who pledge to enhance efficiency in government operations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to see a change in leadership, with Lee Zeldin, the newly-appointed Administrator-designate, promising a different approach from his predecessor, Scott Pruitt, under the Trump administration.
Zeldin, who is set to take over the EPA, has expressed a desire to increase productivity at the agency. He has pledged to work with EPA employees, follow the law, and avoid political pressure and prejudging outcomes. Zeldin has also acknowledged the importance of career scientists at the EPA and the need to be good stewards of the environment.
However, Zeldin did not commit to preserving current staffing levels at the EPA. This aligns with the stance of many of Trump's top advisors and the president-elect himself, who have taken an antagonistic approach to the federal workforce and promised to downsize it.
Despite this, Zeldin has promised to foster a collaborative culture within the EPA, supporting career staff. He has stated that he would comply with Supreme Court decisions limiting agencies' administrative powers.
Meanwhile, the pick for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Gina Haspel, has vowed to defend her employees and not employ political litmus or loyalty tests. Ratcliffe, the CIA Director-designate, has made similar promises, asserting his intention to respect the federal workforce and lean on their expertise.
The defense secretary pick, Mark Esper, has acknowledged that he will rely on career staff for expertise, as he is not a scientist. This shows a recognition of the importance of the federal workforce in various sectors, including intelligence and environmental protection.
The Trump administration's approach to the federal workforce has been a topic of concern for many. Previously, the administration offered early retirements and buyouts to EPA employees, resulting in an 8% reduction in the agency's workforce over four years. The pick for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) chief has defended removing civil service protections and withholding appropriated funds.
Despite these concerns, President-elect Trump's picks for key agencies have pledged to value and support the career federal workforce. They have promised to seek to boost productivity and work collaboratively with their teams. This includes Zeldin, who has promised to be a good steward of the environment while increasing productivity at the EPA.
In conclusion, while the Trump administration's approach to the federal workforce has been a point of contention, the picks for key agencies have pledged to respect and value the career federal workforce. Zeldin, the EPA Administrator-designate, has expressed a desire to increase productivity at the EPA while supporting career staff and being a good steward of the environment.
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