Washington, D.C.

Robert Dewey, Defenders of Wildlife Vice President of Government Relations, today released the following statement in response to the Trump administration's updated budget request:

"The president's FY26 budget request affirms the destructive impact to wildlife evident in his early topline budget request. The Trump Extinction Budget would destroy the national endangered species program, a highly effective and already underfunded effort that provides a lifeline for critically imperiled species, and is yet another example of the disregard this administration has for the people and agencies charged with conserving America’s wildlife. The fate of over 1,600 species listed under the Endangered Species Act is largely up to Congress which must reject the Trump Extinction Budget and affirm the nation’s longstanding commitment to saving wildlife.”

### 

For inquiries, please contact Communications Director, Maggie Dewane at mdewane@defenders.org

For over 75 years, Defenders of Wildlife has remained dedicated to protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.1 million members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on X @Defenders.

  

Media Contact

Former Communications Specialist

News

Image
manta rays swimming in the shallow ocean with coral
Fort Myers, FL

Defenders of Wildlife Applauds Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for Tightening Protections for Listed Species

Defenders of Wildlife welcomes today’s action by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to end open permitting for the capture of ESA-threatened marine species in Florida waters for public display and exhibition purposes.
Image
NARW
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Legal Intervention Aims to Protect North Atlantic Right Whales From Deadly Ship Strikes

Conservation groups today filed a motion to intervene to help fight a lawsuit aimed at overturning a seasonal speed rule protecting North Atlantic right whales from deadly vessel strikes. The groups want to defend the rule against a lawsuit brought by a New York vessel owner fined for violating seasonal speed limits. The suit alleges that NOAA Fisheries lacked the statutory authority to issue the rule.