Trump Declares Endangered Species Act Restored to Original Scope

Trump Declares Endangered Species Act Restored to Original Scope

Trump says his administration has narrowed the Endangered Species Act, citing Justice Antonin Scalia and vowing to expand oil, gas, timber and homebuilding.

Richard Miniter
First Published: August 4, 2026, 3:07 PM ET

Donald J. Trump said his administration has narrowed the Endangered Species Act, ending what he called decades of regulatory overreach that blocked energy, timber and housing production.