Former Congressman Lee Zeldin, now leading the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has sharply criticized a Biden administration initiative that granted $2 billion to a climate-focused nonprofit with ties to Stacey Abrams. Zeldin characterized the grant as reckless and compared it to "throwing gold bars off the Titanic" during an interview on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures."

Zeldin expressed concern over the organization's lack of experience managing such a large budget, pointing out that Power Forward Communities had only received $100 in funding in 2023. He highlighted a seeming contradiction in the grant agreement, which required the $2 billion to be distributed within 21 days, while simultaneously mandating budget training within 90 days. Zeldin questioned the logic of entrusting such a substantial sum to an entity needing instruction on budgetary practices.

The EPA administrator revealed that eight organizations were given discretion over $20 billion in taxpayer funds under this program. Zeldin criticized the lack of oversight and accountability, suggesting potential conflicts of interest and "self-dealing." He emphasized the EPA's commitment to recovering misspent funds, indicating that the Justice Department is working with Citibank to reclaim some of the money.

Power Forward Communities has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.