WASHINGTON — The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Friday it will cut over 3,700 jobs, slashing its workforce by nearly 23% under President Trump’s sweeping government cuts.

The EPA will shrink from 16,155 employees in January to 12,448 through deferred resignations, early retirements, and layoffs, saving $748.8 million. The White House also plans to slash the EPA’s budget by 54% to $4.2 billion for 2026.

Administrator Lee Zeldin claimed the cuts would make the EPA more efficient and “better protect human health and the environment.” The agency’s research arm, the Office of Research and Development, will be dismantled and replaced by a smaller unit focused on chemicals and PFAS pollution.

Critics say the move undermines climate and environmental protections. Earlier this month, 139 employees were suspended after accusing Zeldin of endangering public health by gutting pollution safeguards.