In brief
On September 5, 2026, Donald Trump signed an executive order that could repeal the endangered species designation for both grey wolves and the Mexican subspecies. The move, aimed at supporting ranchers and the beef industry, has drawn sharp criticism from conservation groups who warn that it could undermine decades of recovery work. While the order does not immediately allow culling, it gives the Interior Secretary 90 days to assess whether wolf populations have recovered enough to be delisted. The decision comes amid rising beef prices and a focus on tightening domestic supply chains, but scientists note that wolf attacks on livestock are rare and have little economic impact.
Donald Trump has signed an executive order that may remove the endangered species listing for grey wolves and their Mexican subspecies.
The order praises ranchers as vital to food supply and cultural heritage, and it allows the Interior Secretary 90 days to evaluate wolf populations for possible delisting.
Conservation groups fear the step threatens the progress made since the 1990s, when only four Mexican wolves re‑introduced were recorded and 18,000 grey wolves remained endangered due to habitat loss.
The move comes as the beef industry confronts high prices driven by drought and parasite outbreaks, and the administration’s push to lower imports to curb costs.
Critics stress that existing compensation programs already cover livestock losses from wolves and that attacks remain infrequent, casting doubt on the necessity of stronger protections.
