President Trump on Tuesday imposed a media blackout at the Environmental Protection Agency and barred staff from awarding new contracts or grants.

Emails sent to EPA staff since his inauguration on Friday and reviewed by the Associated Press detailed the specific prohibitions banning press releases, blog updates or posts to the agency’s social media accounts.

Trump — who at a meeting with automakers Tuesday insisted he was “an environmentalist” — also ordered a “temporary suspension” of all new business activities at the department, including issuing task orders or work assignments to EPA contractors.

The orders are expected to have a significant and immediate impact on EPA activities nationwide.

The EPA did not immediately respond to phone calls and emails requesting comment.

With Associated Press