Trump signs order to remove endangered species protection for grey wolves

September 5, 2026

President Donald Trump has issued an executive order directing the Interior Secretary to evaluate whether grey wolves and Mexican wolves have sufficiently recovered to remove their endangered species protections within 90 days. The move, justified as supporting ranchers who face livestock predation and play a vital role in food supply, could eventually allow farmers to kill wolves that threaten their herds. Conservation organizations have strongly opposed the decision, arguing that wolf populations remain vulnerable and that attacks on livestock are actually rare and minimally impact ranchers financially.

Who is affected

Grey wolves and Mexican wolves (subspecies)
Pastoral farmers and ranchers
Conservation groups (Western Watersheds Project, Wolf Conservation Center, Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project)
US consumers facing high beef prices
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum
US Department of Interior and Fish and Wildlife Service

What action is being taken

President Trump has signed an executive order to remove endangered species protection for grey and Mexican wolves
The Trump administration is seeking to lower record-high beef prices for consumers
The administration is loosening restrictions on beef imports to address price rises

Why it matters

This decision is significant because it could reverse decades of conservation work that brought wolf populations back from near-extinction, with Mexican wolves increasing from just four individuals in 1998 to 319 today. The order highlights a fundamental conflict between agricultural interests and wildlife conservation, as ranchers view wolves as threats to livestock despite studies showing attacks are rare and current compensation programs cover losses up to 100%. The move also reflects broader economic pressures, as the administration attempts to address high beef prices and support ranchers who are already struggling with tight margins, drought, and parasite outbreaks.

What's next

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has 90 days to determine whether grey and Mexican wolf populations have recovered enough to warrant removal from the endangered species list. Conservation groups have indicated they intend to pursue litigation if the Department of Interior acts on Trump's order, similar to what occurred with a 2022 federal de-listing attempt.

Read full article from source: BBC