Trump won’t pull trigger on hunt trophies after protests
DONALD TRUMP has said a ban on elephant hunting trophies from two African countries would not be lifted, despite his administration announcing the opposite just days ago.
The US president said that the lifting of the import ban on hunting trophies from Zimbabwe and Zambia would be put “on hold” until there was a review.
It followed a backlash from Rightleaning commentators, who are nor-
mally supportive of the president, as well as conservation groups.
Under Barack Obama, elephanthunting trophies were allowed from South Africa and Namibia but not Zimbabwe, which was deemed to not be doing enough to keep elephant populations at healthy levels.
On Thursday, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service said it would end the ban after Zimbabwean officials provided new evidence.
Two weeks ago, a similar decision was announced regarding the policy for Zambia. On Friday, Mr Trump tweeted: “Put big game trophy decision on hold until such time as I review all conservation facts. Under study for years. Will update soon with Secretary Zinke. Thank you!”
Ryan Zinke, the US interior secretary, later said: “President Trump and I have talked and both believe that conservation and healthy herds are critical. As a result, in a manner compliant with all applicable laws, rules and reg- ulations, the issuing of permits is put on hold as the decision is being reviewed.”
It followed criticism of the initial lifting of the ban from traditional Trump supporters. Laura Ingraham, a Fox News host, questioned whether lifting the ban would “increase the gruesome poaching of elephants”.
Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump, the president’s sons, are keen big-game hunters and have attracted criticism for posing with trophies in Africa.