Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) blasted the Trump administration on Friday over its plans to allow elephant trophies to be imported into the U.S. from two African countries, calling it “disgusting.”
“It’s disgusting the White House is even considering lifting the trophy ban,” Feinstein wrote on Twitter. “I’ll fight this or any attempt to weaken protections for endangered elephants.”
Feinstein shared an article about the White House saying it had not yet finalized plans to allow trophy hunters who kill elephants in Zimbabwe and Zambia to bring the trophies to the U.S.
Other Democratic lawmakers urged followers to “keep up the pressure” on the administration.
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President Trump announced on Friday night that his administration’s decision on the issue will be halted pending further review following backlash over the proposed move.
“Put big game trophy decision on hold until such time as I review all conservation facts,” Trump tweeted. “Under study for years. Will update soon with Secretary Zinke. Thank you!”
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke separately said in a statement that he and Trump “talked and both believe that conservation and healthy herds are critical.”
“As a result, in a manner compliant with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, the issuing of permits is being put on hold as the decision is being reviewed,” he said.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service disclosed the plan on Wednesday, saying it had determined a ban on importing parts of elephants hunted in the two African countries was no longer necessary.
The move was a reversal from the Obama administration, which banned bringing trophies into the U.S. because authorities believed it hurt the survival of the species. The Trump administration’s move to reverse the ban ignited criticism from conservation groups, celebrities and some GOP lawmakers.