President-elect Donald Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Zeldin has confirmed his acceptance of the role, expressing his commitment to restoring US energy dominance, revitalizing the auto industry to create American jobs, and positioning the US as a global leader in artificial intelligence.
Zeldin, who recently lost the 2022 New York governor's race, has maintained a close relationship with Trump, frequently appearing at Mar-a-Lago during Trump's 2024 campaign.
In response to Zeldin's announcement, Trump praised his selection, highlighting Zeldin's dedication to implementing deregulatory decisions that support American businesses while upholding stringent environmental standards. Trump emphasized the importance of maintaining clean air and water, as well as setting new benchmarks for environmental review and maintenance to facilitate sustainable growth in the United States.