The husband of a former household staffer to President Trump
Donald John TrumpSchiff: Nunes gave Trump 'secretly altered' version of memo Davis: ‘Deep state’ existed in ’16 – but it elected Trump Former Trump legal spokesman to testify to Mueller about undisclosed call: report MORE and first lady Melania Trump
Melania TrumpStormy Daniels cancels appearance on 'The View' Michelle Obama reveals what Melania Trump gave her on Inauguration Day Trump aims for national unity but leaves America as divided as ever MORE was recently appointed to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) New York office, according to a new report.
Steve Kopec, who formerly ran a home improvement contracting business called “Steve’s Tools in Motion,” began work in December as a special assistant in the EPA office, Politico reported Friday.
Kopec’s wife, Dagmara, previously worked for the Trumps when they lived in New York, according to the report.
Kopec, who reportedly commutes “multiple hours” from his New Jersey home to the office, does not appear to have a background in government or science.
An EPA memo obtained Politico describes Kopec as “an experienced manager with skills in team building, management and organization.”
“Steve comes to us from private industry, where he fashioned his career around customer service and organizational efficiencies,” the memo reads.
EPA officials told Politico that Kopec does not hold a senior position, nor does he write policy or serve in a scientific role. Rather, he “performs administrative and support services” for a regional administrator according to one official.
An EPA spokeswoman described Kopic as a “hard-working, dedicated employee” in a statement to Politico, adding, “we appreciate his service, in supporting environmental protection efforts."
Neither of the Kopecs responded to Politico’s requests for comment.
Ethics experts have raised concerns about Trump appointing people with personal connections to positions within his administration.
Trump previously appointed his daughter Ivanka Trump
Ivana (Ivanka) Marie TrumpMaryland state lawmaker files 'Jared Kushner Act' to prevent tenant arrests What Trump didn't say in his State of the Union address Celebrity chef José Andrés claims Ivanka Trump barred him from reception MORE and son-in-law Jared Kushner
Jared Corey KushnerMaryland state lawmaker files 'Jared Kushner Act' to prevent tenant arrests GOP lawmakers confident on prison reform ahead of midterms Koch network charts ambitious course for 2018 MORE to unpaid advisory positions in the White House.