Dr. Kyla Bennett, the director of science policy for the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, is a professional advocate for workers facing exactly this type of mistreatment. Bennett previously worked at the EPA as wetlands enforcement coordinator in New England and says she is tuned into the work culture among environmental scientists. By her account, they are angry.
“Career scientists at federal agencies are, first and foremost, pissed,” Bennett said. “Contrary to Trump and Musk’s portrayal of government employees as lazy and low productivity, they are dedicated professionals who joined the government to protect the American people. Some of them are frightened because they are being attacked and targeted. But most of them are furious.”