Trump administration seeks to weaken Endangered Species Act

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly working to weaken key provisions of the Endangered Species Act. According to a government memo obtained by the New York Times, the administration aims to change how the law defines the ‘taking’ of protected species.

Under the proposed changes, the accidental killing or injuring of endangered animals would no longer be classified as illegal. Instead, legal consequences would only apply to actions specifically and intentionally directed at the animals.

This shift could have significant implications for wildlife conservation, as most incidents involving endangered species in the United States occur unintentionally during economic activities. Currently, industries such as shipping, forestry, and construction can be held legally accountable for foreseeable harm to protected species, a measure intended to encourage better protective practices and regulate industrial impact on habitats.