Trump Rule Allows Killing Endangered Wildlife Unless Targeted

New Trump rule allows killing endangered animals unless they are the target, sparking backlash from conservationists.

September 18, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Billings, Mont. — A new rule from the Trump administration allows the killing of endangered wildlife if the animals are not the direct target, marking a significant shift in how the Endangered Species Act is enforced.

The directive issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service states that harming or killing protected species is only illegal if it is intentional. This change has drawn criticism from environmental experts who argue it creates a major loophole in the law.

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Conservation groups and legal experts have raised concerns that this interpretation could lead to increased harm to endangered species, as it removes liability for incidental damage. The rule follows a broader effort by the Trump administration to roll back protections under the Endangered Species Act.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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