Donald Trump’s administration is facing accusations of pressuring the British government to abandon its proposed ban on importing trophies from hunting. Doug Bergum, Trump’s Interior Secretary, has reached out to Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, advocating for a reconsideration of the ban. Bergum argues that the ban could negatively impact local economies, conservation efforts, and cultural sensitivities in the United States.
Notably, Trump, whose sons Donald Jr. and Eric are known for trophy hunting, has previously reversed a ban on trophy imports put in place by Barack Obama. This decision was supported by influential hunting lobby groups such as the Safari Club International and Dallas Safari Club, which also endorsed Trump’s re-election campaign.
The Mirror has been actively campaigning for a ban on trophy hunting imports, a stance aligned with the Labour Government’s manifesto. Despite delays, Defra minister Mary Creagh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the ban late last year. However, several attempts to pass trophy hunting Bills into law were thwarted due to limited Parliamentary time, with one bill being obstructed by pro-hunting peers in the House of Lords.
In response to the pressure from the Trump Administration, Eduardo Goncalves, founder of The Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting, criticized the attempt to influence the UK government’s decision. Goncalves emphasized that the ban on trophy hunting imports is a sovereign decision for Britain, supported by public opinion and parliamentary consensus.
Bergum’s letter to Reynolds emphasized concerns that the ban could undermine conservation efforts globally, stating that legal, well-regulated hunting, particularly trophy hunting, plays a crucial role in wildlife population management, habitat restoration, and local economic support. He urged the United Kingdom to engage in discussions through established channels rather than enforcing a blanket ban on all imports.