Trump taps former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin to lead EPA

Trump confirmed the news in a statement Monday afternoon, writing in part:"Lee, with a very strong legal background, has been a true fighter for America First policies. He will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet. He will set new standards on environmental review and maintenance, that will allow the United States to grow in a healthy and well-structured way."

The New York Post was first to report on Trump picking Zeldin to lead the EPA.

"It is an honor to join President Trump's Cabinet as EPA Administrator," Zeldin wrote on X. "We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI. We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water."

Zeldin grew up in Suffolk County, which is the same county he represented as a federal lawmaker.

At the age of 23, he became the youngest attorney in New York State at that time.

Zeldin served in the U.S. Army for four years, holding roles like Military Intelligence Officer, prosecutor and Military Magistrate.

In 2006, he deployed to Iraq with the 82nd Airborne Division as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, he continues to serve as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, according to the statement put out by Trump.

Zeldin was elected to the New York State Senate in 2010, where he served until 2014, when he was elected to Congress.

During his eight years working in the U.S. Capitol, Zeldin served on the House Foreign Affairs and House Financial Services committees.

While in office, he championed infrastructure and research projects like the preservation of Plum Island and Army Corps of Engineers initiatives.