A senior prosecutor at the Department of Justice has resigned rather than complying with an order to halt a major bank’s disbursement of $20 billion in climate change funding. This funding was allocated to various left-leaning groups, flagged by the new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, Lee Zeldin. The allocation, made under the Biden administration, was facilitated via Citibank and earmarked under the controversial “Inflation Reduction Act.”
Denise Cheung, head of the criminal division at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., refused to instruct Citibank to stop the payments. She argued that the funds had been legally allocated under President Joe Biden’s policies. Her resignation followed an order to send a directive to Citibank to withhold the disbursement, highlighting the tension between legal obligations and political directives.
Politico reported that Cheung had faced pressure from Trump administration officials to initiate a criminal investigation without substantial evidence. The Biden-era EPA had placed the funds at Citibank to support nonprofit groups aiming to reduce climate-related issues. The term “climate pollution,” used in the report, is criticized for inaccurately portraying carbon dioxide as a hazardous pollutant.
A spokesperson from the Justice Department commented on Cheung’s resignation, noting it as an act of defiance. “Refusing a basic request to pause an investigation so officials can examine the potential waste of government funds is not an act of heroism — just a failure to follow chain of command,” the statement read. This highlights the complex dynamics within the Justice Department as priorities shift with new administrations.
The media often portrays prosecutors who step down rather than enforce policies from President Donald Trump’s administration in a sympathetic light. On Tuesday, Trump dismissed all U.S. Attorneys from the previous administration, a common practice in new administrations. These attorneys, although qualified, are political appointees confirmed by the Senate, making their roles inherently political.
Lee Zeldin has promised to recover the funds, aiming to redirect them according to the new administration’s policies. The swift allocation of such a significant amount before the Biden administration’s exit raises questions about the intentions behind the funding. Critics argue that the funds were a strategic move to cement certain policies before leaving office.
The phrase “climate pollution” is often used to mislead the public into equating carbon dioxide with harmful pollutants. This language is intended to garner support for drastic climate change measures by creating a sense of urgency. However, many argue that carbon dioxide, a natural part of the ecosystem, should not be classified as a pollutant.
Joel B. Pollak, a senior editor at Breitbart News, provides insight into the political implications of these events. Pollak, a notable figure in conservative journalism, emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in government spending. His works often focus on the broader impact of political decisions on American society.
The departure of Denise Cheung underscores the ongoing ideological battles within government agencies. As administrations change, so do the priorities and interpretations of legal mandates. This situation highlights the challenges faced by officials navigating the complexities of political transitions.
The role of the EPA and its funding strategies is a point of contention in the broader debate over climate policy. Critics argue that funds should be used in ways that align with the current administration’s goals and priorities. The controversy surrounding the $20 billion allocation is a testament to the political and social divides that characterize environmental policy discussions today.
The resignation of a senior prosecutor over climate funding illustrates the deep divisions in approaches to environmental issues. While some advocate for aggressive action on climate change, others call for a more measured approach, prioritizing economic stability and energy independence. This debate reflects the broader ideological rift between conservative and progressive viewpoints.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the handling of government funds remains a contentious issue. The importance of oversight and accountability in the allocation and use of public resources cannot be overstated. These events serve as a reminder of the critical role that transparency plays in maintaining public trust.
The intersection of politics and environmental policy is a recurring theme in American governance. As new leaders take charge, the direction of such policies often shifts, leading to conflicts like the one witnessed in this case. The challenge lies in balancing environmental concerns with economic and political realities.
This situation further highlights the tension between federal agencies and the administration’s broader goals. Navigating these complex relationships is a key aspect of governance, particularly in areas as divisive as climate policy. The decisions made today will have lasting implications for future policy directions.
The ongoing debate over climate funding is a microcosm of the larger national conversation on environmental issues. As policymakers grapple with these challenges, the need for informed, responsible decision-making is paramount. The outcome of these discussions will shape the nation’s approach to climate and energy policies for years to come.
In the midst of political transitions, the role of government officials and their adherence to directives is under scrutiny. The case of Denise Cheung is not isolated but part of a broader pattern of resignations and dismissals. These actions reflect the shifting priorities and challenges inherent in political leadership changes.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding the $20 billion climate funding highlights the complexities of governance in a polarized political climate. As the nation continues to navigate these challenging issues, the importance of principled leadership and clear communication remains essential. The path forward will require careful consideration of both environmental and economic impacts.

11 Comments
Good news, another Socialist is out of the shadow government. There should be a lot more resignations and firings!
There dirty as sin Demoncraps and Rino’s in Congress have been playing a shell game with $Billions if not $Trillions of our Taxpayer money; just move it around and around and where it stops nobody is to know except us Criminals in the Inner Circle! Nice work when they can get just shuffling all that money around to fatten their own offshore accounts!
Meanwhile they say, “We don’t gives a rat’s ass” what happens to the Republic; it and the Citizens can go to hell for all we care!
Sorry meant to type *these dirty as sin
I certainly hope that any attempt to get a recommendation from the government for her resume’ is answered truthfully ie. She was not a good employee and cannot be trusted to follow orders from her superiors!
Henry Plante, For sure and more willing to cover up truth and have her hands in the cookie jar or literally take payoffs!
Quits bullsh-t he should be on his way to federal prison for federal crimes. He stole taxpayers money for his agenda when he had no right too. That’s direct insubordination and he should be in prison. These democrats always get away with cheating and corruption and don’t even get a slap these people been stealing our taxpayers money without even being investigated and arrested for federal criminal crimes.
Democrats need to be held accountable for their corruption and put in prison. No more free get out of jail because you’re a democrat. Lock them up.
Sue they are white collar organized criminals and have been so enabled that they literally think and actually do get away with pretty much anything! Look at Hillary or Biden and any of the rest they are as dirty as sin! They make the Old Time Mafioso Gangsters look like choir boys! These criminals get away with GIANT CAPERS and Horrible kept secret crimes that are unimaginable!
Sue, I think Denise Cheung is a female. At least the story refers to her as ‘her’. In today’s environment you never know for sure though.
Good riddance. I am sure we are not losing anything.
She needs to be investigated! I bet somehow some of that 20B will get funneled back to her to support herself after quitting! The defiant act alone should be reason enough to prosecute and put her ass in jail! Enough of these dirty people and judges trying to usurp Trumps directives!!
I hope she disappears.