Leaders of the Make America Healthy Again (Maha) movement have launched a petition demanding President Donald Trump dismiss his Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chief, Lee Zeldin. The campaigners accuse Zeldin, appointed in late January, of systematically rolling back toxic chemical regulations and fast-tracking pesticide approvals to benefit industry.
The Growing Feud Over Public Health
This petition marks a significant escalation in the internal Maha-Maga feud concerning the administration's stance on hazardous substances. While Trump campaigned on promises to clean up the nation's water and food supply—a key priority for the Robert F Kennedy Jr-led Maha movement—his administration maintains close ties to the chemical and pesticides sector.
The petition, supported by prominent Maha influencers including Zen Honeycutt, Kelly Ryerson, and Vani Hari, argues that Zeldin has betrayed the movement's core aim. “Rather than supporting your initiative to ‘Make America Healthy Again’... Administrator Zeldin has prioritized the interests of chemical corporations over the wellbeing of American families and children,” it states.
A Litany of Grievances Against the EPA
Maha figures point to a series of controversial actions taken under Zeldin's leadership. These include:
- Proposed rules that would reduce scrutiny for new and existing chemicals.
- The appointment of four chemical industry executives to top roles within the EPA's chemicals office this year.
- The recent decision to continue permitting the use of dicamba, a pesticide banned in numerous other countries.
- Plans to approve more PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ for use in pesticides, alongside efforts to undo PFAS drinking water limits established under the previous Biden administration.
Kelly Ryerson told The Guardian the petition's goal was to capture the president's attention, expressing hope that Trump remains committed to the Maha cause. “I do think if he had the real story of why these things that Zeldin is doing are incredibly damaging to human health, then he would be sympathetic to that,” she said.
Defence and Dismissal from the EPA
The EPA has robustly defended its administrator. A spokesperson stated, “Administrator Zeldin has been working closely with President Trump and Secretary Kennedy to implement policies to Make America Healthy Again.” The agency attributed criticism to “a significant amount of misinformation circulating that ignores or misrepresents the law.”
However, campaigners remain unconvinced. Vani Hari argued Zeldin could prove his commitment by reversing a Biden-era EPA policy that changed the definition of PFAS, now assessed on a “case by case” basis. “If Zeldin truly believes in Maha, then he would reverse that rule immediately, and show the country that he stands with families, not with corporations,” Hari said.
The petition warns that Zeldin's approach risks higher chronic disease rates, increased medical costs, and immense strain on healthcare. It concludes by urging Trump to “remove Lee Zeldin from his position” and appoint a leader who will genuinely defend public health.
