Trump’s wildlife policies could push species to extinction
Illustrative photo: Trump's environmental rollbacks threaten endangered species, advocates warn (Getty Images)
Environmental advocates warn that Donald Trump’s administration is aggressively rolling back endangered species protections, a move that could drive multiple species to extinction, The Guardian reports.
Trump has proposed assembling a so-called “God squad,” a federal committee with the power to override the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in favor of economic interests. While this committee has only been convened three times in history, Trump’s orders would push it to meet quarterly to “remove barriers to domestic energy projects” - a move that legal experts say exceeds its original mandate.
Critics argue that Trump’s approach disregards established environmental safeguards and could accelerate the destruction of critical habitats.
At the same time, House Republicans have pushed for legislative changes to the ESA and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, aiming to streamline industrial projects. “Industry cannot stand that their ability to profit is sometimes limited by the need to protect wildlife that has been on earth for millions of years,” said environmental attorney Drew Caputo.
Mass layoffs threaten conservation efforts
In addition to policy rollbacks, Trump’s funding freezes and directives from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have triggered massive layoffs at the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Hundreds of workers have already been let go, with reports suggesting that up to 40% of the staff could be cut.
“What Doge is doing will result in species going extinct,” Greenwald warned. The staffing reductions have already jeopardized conservation efforts for species like the red wolves in North Carolina, the akikiki birds in Hawaii, and black-footed ferrets.
With fewer federal protections, environmentalists fear the survival of these species is hanging by a thread.
