Donald Trump signed an executive order directing a review of gray wolves' endangered-species protections as his administration seeks to bring down record beef prices. Trump said Brazil and Argentina were involved in a controversial beef deal, The Hill reported.
What is the import plan? In an effort to bring down consumer beef prices, which the Korea Times reported have hit record highs this year, Trump signed an order the previous week to temporarily increase imports of some lower-tariff beef. He was also expected to sign a beef-related executive order on Friday, which one of two sources familiar with the situation said would pertain to country-of-origin labeling. Some ranchers have sought mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef, arguing it would support domestic producers and provide more transparency to consumers.
Who opposes the import plan? Ranchers and farm groups strongly oppose it, saying it will disadvantage American producers, the Korea Times reported. Ranchers have been frustrated by Trump's decision to loosen restrictions on beef imports to address price rises, a move that the BBC reported is putting pressure on their already tight margins. Trump is facing down the backlash, The Hill reported.
What does the wolf order do? The order, which the BBC reported gives Interior Secretary Doug Burgum 90 days to determine whether gray and Mexican wolf populations have recovered enough to leave the endangered species list, does not give ranchers immediate license to shoot wolves preying on livestock. It could pave the way for ranchers to kill wolves to protect their herds. Citing US livestock herds at a 75-year low while beef demand has risen 10% over the past decade, the order says “more can and should be done to support this critical industry.”
What do conservationists say? Conservation groups say the move could derail long-term efforts to recover endangered wolf populations. “This is a huge distraction to placate a handful of ranchers and make them believe that wolves are a greater threat than President Trump’s own policies,” said Greta Anderson, deputy director of Western Watersheds Project. An attempt to delist gray wolves at the federal level in 2022 became tied up in litigation, and some campaigners have signaled they intend to do the same if the Interior Department acts on Trump's order, the BBC reported.
Figures referenced: Donald Trump. — JudgeMarket.
