A senior Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutor, Denise Cheung, has resigned after reportedly refusing to move forward with a criminal investigation into $20 billion in Biden-era climate spending, fueling concerns about potential political bias and corruption within the federal government.
Biden’s Climate Spending Under Scrutiny
The investigation in question centers around a massive EPA green energy fund, established during the Biden administration, which allocated billions of taxpayer dollars toward so-called clean energy investments in low-income and minority communities.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has described the program as riddled with fraud and financial mismanagement, raising alarms over where the money actually went and whether it was used for its intended purpose. However, Cheung allegedly refused to issue grand jury subpoenas to investigate the spending, claiming there was not enough evidence—despite mounting concerns from government watchdogs and Trump administration officials.
Cheung’s Departure Sparks Controversy
After refusing to proceed with the investigation, Cheung abruptly resigned, citing pressure from Acting U.S. Attorney Ed Martin, who pushed for immediate legal action against those involved in the EPA funding scandal.
“I will not compromise my principles or the rule of law,” Cheung wrote in her resignation letter.
Her departure has triggered backlash from Senate Democrats, including Edward Markey, Sheldon Whitehouse, Chris Van Hollen, and Bernie Sanders, who are now demanding an investigation into the Trump administration’s handling of the case—despite the fact that the DOJ was simply looking into potential fraud in a multi-billion-dollar government program.
A Pattern of Resistance Within the DOJ?
Cheung’s resignation is part of a broader trend of career DOJ prosecutors resisting efforts to investigate corruption tied to the Biden administration. Multiple high-ranking officials have recently stepped down rather than participate in probes related to misuse of federal funds, election interference, and DOJ weaponization under Biden.
Despite Cheung’s departure, the investigation into Biden’s EPA climate spending is expected to continue, with the Trump administration determined to hold those responsible accountable.
The case underscores a major political battle brewing over federal corruption and whether government prosecutors are willing to investigate wrongdoing—even when it involves their former political allies.