Former Rep. Lee Zeldin's Financial Disclosures Reveal Millions in Income
Former Rep. Lee Zeldin, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, has made millions of dollars in recent years from consulting, speaking fees, and paid op-eds. This information was revealed in a financial disclosure made public on Saturday.
Zeldin's income includes tens of thousands of dollars for writing about environmental and climate change-related topics. In one instance, he was paid $25,000 for an op-ed in which he compared environmental, social, and governance investing (ESG) to the practices of disgraced cryptocurrency entrepreneur Sam Bankman-Fried.
Zeldin also received substantial speaking fees from GOP organizations, a Long Island synagogue, and a Turning Point USA event. In multiple instances, he was paid over $10,000 for a single appearance.
Zeldin was also paid to write about other topics, including $10,000 for a New York Post op-ed criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris' housing policy proposals, $10,000 for a Washington Times op-ed calling on regulators to crack down on China-linked financial platforms, and $15,000 for a Washington Examiner op-ed accusing the Biden administration of targeting Republican-run states via Medicaid regulations.
In total, Zeldin reported $120,500 in op-ed payments. The original clients who made those payments are unclear, and Zeldin and the Trump-Vance transition did not respond to a question about the original sources.
As with other nominees, Zeldin has agreed to divest himself from his consulting business if he's confirmed as the next EPA administrator, according to his ethics agreement. His confirmation hearing is set for Thursday, January 16.
5 Comments
Coccinella
I am proud to support Zeldin's nomination to lead the EPA. He is a qualified and experienced leader who will make a difference for our environment and our country.
ZmeeLove
As a former member of Congress, Zeldin has a deep understanding of the policy landscape and will be able to effectively navigate the regulatory process.
ArtemK
This is a huge setback for the fight against climate change. Zeldin's appointment could have devastating consequences for our environment and our future.
Jordan
Zeldin has a history of denying the science of climate change. He has repeatedly downplayed the risks of global warming and opposed efforts to address it. This is simply unacceptable for someone who would be leading the EPA.
Muchacho
This is a slap in the face to everyone who is concerned about climate change. Trump is clearly not taking this issue seriously, and appointing Zeldin to lead the EPA is a dangerous step in the wrong direction.