Trump Administration Ends 1975 Threatened-Species Safeguards, Allowing Killing and Harassment
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 18
Trump Administration Ends 1975 Threatened-Species Safeguards, Allowing Killing and Harassment
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 18
Summary
Americans could legally kill, trap or harass animals newly listed as threatened — including pygmy rabbits or Florida manatees — under a Trump administration policy issued Friday.
The change rescinds a 1975 “blanket rule” that had automatically extended endangered-species protections to threatened wildlife, replacing it with species-by-species rules.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also must weigh the economic cost of designating critical habitat, adding a business-impact test to Endangered Species Act decisions.
Interior says the overhaul cuts industry burdens and supports development, while critics say it weakens the 1973 law and could slow protections through added paperwork and staffing strains.
As 'blanket' protections end, will tailored plans accelerate recovery or create fatal administrative delays?
When weighing economic costs against habitat, how can a species’ long-term survival be accurately valued?
The 2026 ESA Rollback: How New Rules Threaten U.S. Species and Spark Legal Uncertainty
Overview
On July 10, 2026, the Trump administration finalized major changes to the Endangered Species Act, officially publishing a new rule that eliminates automatic protections for threatened species. Now, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decides protections on a case-by-case basis, which could allow activities like killing or trapping species such as the pygmy rabbit or Florida manatee. The rule also redefines what counts as 'harm,' narrowing protections and sparking widespread concern among conservation groups. These changes mark a significant shift in how threatened species are managed and have immediate impacts on wildlife protection.