The Trump administration on Friday, July 17, 2026, rolled back protections for animal and plant species considered "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Previously, species labeled as threatened—those at risk but not yet endangered—received the same level of protection as endangered species. The new policy changes reduce these protections for threatened species, altering the regulatory framework established under prior administrations.

This move affects conservation efforts for species that are vulnerable but not yet critically endangered, potentially impacting their habitats and survival prospects.

Sources