Newsroom

WASHINGTON, D.C.

March 31, 2026

Defenders Slams Unlawful God Squad Vote to Strip Endangered Species Act Protection from Wildlife in the Gulf

Defenders of Wildlife strongly opposes today’s vote by the Endangered Species Committee, or God Squad, to condemn species to extinction in the name of a fictitious “national security emergency.”

Merrit Island National Wildlife Refuge at sunset

Washington, D.C.

March 27, 2026

Court Victory for Florida Wetlands Protection

The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled today that permits to build in wetlands should stay in the hands of

Washington, D.C.

March 26, 2026

Sec. of Defense Invokes False “National Security” Rationale to Eviscerate Endangered Species Act Protections for Wildlife in the Gulf

In a litigation filing yesterday in federal district court, the Trump administration publicly admitted for the first time that Interior Secretary Doug Burgum scheduled a snap meeting of the Endangered Species Committee (the “God Squad”) for March 31 at the request of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

Press Releases

July 15, 2017

Loss of Four Wolves in Washington State

Delayed report finally gives update on wolf activities in Washington state In a long-delayed report, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) detailed the

July 13, 2017

Homeland Security Spending Bill Funds Border Wall Construction, Species Destruction

WASHINGTON (July 12, 2017) – The House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee is set to approve $1.6 billion for the expansion of the U.S.-Mexico border wall