Sean Donahue Confirmed as General Counsel at the EPA

The Senate approved him in a party-line vote.

The U.S. Senate today held a recorded vote to confirm one individual nominated by President Donald Trump to serve in the executive branch of government - specifically in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) led by Administrator Lee Zeldin since January 2025.

In a 51-46 vote, Sean Donahue was confirmed as General Counsel and Assistant Administrator of the EPA. The position has been held by an acting official since September 2024, when Jeffrey Prieto resigned after serving since November 2021.

51 Republicans approved Donahue’s nomination. 44 Democrats and two Independents voted in opposition. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) did not vote.

Donahue was nominated to this position by Trump in February 2025. Since Trump returned to office in January 2025, he has served as Principal Deputy General Counsel at the EPA.

During the first Trump term, Donahue was detailed to the EPA as Special Advisor in the Administrator’s Office as well as the Office of Land and Emergency Management.