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Zeldin elaborated on the financial misconduct he perceives within the prior administration’s handling of environmental funds. He described it as a “green slush fund,” hinting at self-dealing and mismanagement with billions at stake. The funds, he noted, had been sequestered amid ongoing litigation, preventing any financial restitution to taxpayers as they undergo a procedural close-out phase.
The contentious atmosphere of the hearing showcased a vital component of the Trump administration’s governance style. Rather than adopting a more traditional, deferential approach, officials have begun to push back against accusations with equal fervor, turning what were once routine oversight sessions into combative exchanges.