Donald Trump signs executive order reviewing wolf protections

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the Department of the Interior to review the federal protections for the Mexican gray wolf and the gray wolf. The order mandates that Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum determine within 90 days if these species meet the recovery criteria necessary to be removed from or reclassified under the Endangered Species Act.

The administration stated the measure aims to support American ranchers by providing authorization for lethal removal of wolves when necessary to protect livestock. Environmental organizations have expressed concern, arguing that reducing protections could jeopardize decades of conservation efforts and lead to increased lethal encounters. They noted that according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data, less than one percent of cattle and sheep deaths are caused by wild carnivores, including wolves.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for coordination between the United States and Mexico regarding the species, noting that the Mexican gray wolf is an endangered species that exists on both sides of the border and requires international protection protocols.