The U.S. government saw sweeping policy shifts today, with the EPA planning major budget cuts, the White House instructing federal agencies to prepare for workforce reductions, and the Treasury Department announcing key appointments. Meanwhile, the Justice Department is dismissing lawsuits related to hiring diversity, and the Pentagon is scrubbing DEI-related content from its platforms. President Trump also met with the UK Prime Minister to discuss Ukraine and global trade policies. Here’s what you need to know.
On February 27, 2025, several U.S. Executive Departments and Cabinet Members announced significant policy changes and initiatives:
1️⃣ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Policy Changes & Legislative Actions
- Proposed Budget Cuts: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans to reduce the agency’s budget by 65%, focusing on eliminating what he termed “wasteful spending.” This proposal has raised concerns among environmental groups and the agency’s largest union, who warn of potential negative impacts on public health and environmental protections. apnews.com
Leadership Actions & Public Engagements
- Clarification on Workforce Reduction: Following President Trump’s statement suggesting a 65% reduction in EPA staff, the White House clarified that the President was referring to budget cuts, not personnel layoffs. Administrator Zeldin emphasized the need for significant budget reductions despite previous funding increases under the prior administration. reuters.com
2️⃣ Department of the Treasury
Leadership Actions & Public Engagements
- New Appointments: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced key appointments, including Ethan Fallang as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Capital Markets and John Hurley as the nominee for Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. These appointments aim to strengthen the department’s leadership in financial oversight and economic policy. home.treasury.gov
3️⃣ Department of Justice
Policy Changes & Legislative Actions
- Dismissal of DEI Lawsuits: Attorney General Pam Bondi directed the dismissal of lawsuits against various jurisdictions concerning the hiring practices of police officers and firefighters. These lawsuits, initiated by the previous administration, challenged standard aptitude tests as discriminatory. Bondi stated that public safety personnel should be selected based on merit rather than diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) quotas. justice.gov
4️⃣ Department of Defense
Policy Changes & Legislative Actions
- Digital Content Refresh Directive: The Pentagon issued a memorandum mandating the removal of all digital content related to DEI, critical race theory, and identity-based programs from Department of Defense public platforms. This action aligns with President Trump’s executive orders and aims to refocus the department’s public communications. defense.gov
5️⃣ White House
Leadership Actions & Public Engagements
- Meeting with UK Prime Minister: President Trump met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss strategies for achieving peace in Ukraine, emphasizing the involvement of Kyiv and European leaders. The President also mentioned plans to impose tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. apnews.com
- Federal Workforce Reduction Plans: The administration directed federal agencies to prepare for large-scale layoffs and restructuring, aiming to reduce the size of the federal government. This directive has led to tensions within the administration and concerns among federal employees. abcnews.go.com
Bibliography
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Source: “EPA backtracks on Trump comment about cutting staff by 65% but says major spending cuts are coming” – AP News
- Timestamp: February 27, 2025, Eastern Time (ET)
- Link: apnews.com
- Verification: This source was verified as published on February 27, 2025, Eastern Time (ET) as of 11:22 PM.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Source: “White House walks back Trump statement on 65% EPA staff cuts” – Reuters
- Timestamp: February 27, 2025, Eastern Time (ET)
- Link: reuters.com
- Verification: This source was verified as published on February 27, 2025, Eastern Time (ET) as of 11:22 PM.
- Department of the Treasury
- Source: “Treasury Department Announces New Appointments” – U.S. Department of the Treasury
- Timestamp: February 27, 2025, Eastern Time (ET)
- Link: home.treasury.gov
- Verification: This source was verified as published on February 27, 2025, Eastern Time (ET) as of 11:22 PM.
- Department of Justice
- Source: “Attorney General Pam Bondi Dismisses DEI Lawsuits Involving Police Officers and Firefighters” – U.S. Department of Justice
- Timestamp: February 26, 2025, Eastern Time (ET)
- Link: justice.gov
- Verification: This source was verified as published on February 26, 2025, Eastern Time (ET) as of 11:22 PM.
- Department of Defense
- Source: “Pentagon Releases Digital Content Refresh Memorandum” – U.S. Department of Defense
- Timestamp: February 27, 2025, Eastern Time (ET)
- Link: defense.gov
- Verification: This source was verified as published on February 27, 2025, Eastern Time (ET) as of 11:22 PM.
- White House
- Source: “The Latest: Trump meets with UK’s prime minister about drifting US support for Ukraine” – AP News
- Timestamp: February 27, 2025, Eastern Time (ET)
- Link: apnews.com
- Verification: This source was verified as published on February 27, 2025, Eastern Time (ET) as of 11:22 PM.
- White House
- Source: “White House formally instructs agencies to prepare for large-scale layoffs” – ABC News
- Timestamp: February 27, 2025, Eastern Time (ET)
- Link: abcnews.go.com
- Verification: This source was verified as published on February 27, 2025, Eastern Time (ET) as of 11:22 PM.
