Trump signs order to evaluate removal of wolf protections and allow ranchers to kill wolves

President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order on Friday directing the U.S. Interior Department to evaluate whether gray wolves should be removed from the endangered species list. The move is part of a broader effort to reduce livestock losses attributed to wolf predation and to help lower domestic beef prices, according to the administration’s statement. The order also instructs the Interior and Agriculture Departments to permit ranchers to kill wolves when necessary, subject to existing regulatory frameworks.

The administration’s action follows a long‑standing debate over wolf management in the western United States. While the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has maintained gray wolves as a protected species since 1978, critics argue that the protections have contributed to significant economic hardship for ranchers. Supporters of the order contend that a reassessment could lead to more flexible, region‑specific management strategies that balance wildlife conservation with agricultural interests.

The executive order will trigger a formal review process, during which the Interior Department will consult with stakeholders, including ranchers, conservation groups, and scientific experts. The outcome of the assessment will determine whether the endangered species designation remains in place or is modified, with potential implications for federal funding, land use regulations, and wildlife management policies across the country.