# Trump Cuts ESA Protections, Endangered Species at Risk

> Trump's ESA rule change threatens endangered species by removing habitat safeguards.
- Title: Trump Cuts ESA Protections, Endangered Species at Risk
- Summary: Trump's ESA rule change threatens endangered species by removing habitat safeguards. Trump's rule change to the Endangered Species Act removes habitat…
- Keywords: endangered species, endangered species act, north atlantic right whale, sea turtles, trump administration, endangered species protections, harm definition, federally permitted activities, oceanic species, conservation, Trump, Cuts
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/list-endangered-animals-beating-extinction-trump-cuts-protections-12455957
- Published: 2026-09-17T16:16:56+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: endangered species, endangered species act, north atlantic right whale, sea turtles, trump administration, endangered species protections, harm definition, federally permitted activities, oceanic species, conservation
## New ESA Rule Change
Trump administration cuts ESA definition of harm.
## What Changed
Rescinded habitat protections for species like sea turtles.
## Critics Warn
Oceana says 99% of species saved by ESA protections.

> The proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act will remove the core safeguards that have prevented the extinction of 99% of species protected under the act
## North Atlantic Right Whale
380 whales left; need careful management.

> There are 380 of them left in the world, and we count every death
## Recovery Successes
Bald eagles, gray wolves, and whales recovered.
## What Happens Next
Marine species face new risks without habitat protections.

> This will be disastrous for those species
## What Happens Next
Lawmakers push to block rule changes.
## Key takeaway

Trump's rule change to the Endangered Species Act removes habitat protections, risking extinction for species like North Atlantic right whales and sea turtles.