The Trump administration is facing accusations of pressuring the British government to abandon its plans to prohibit the import of trophies from hunting. Doug Bergum, Trump’s Interior Secretary, has sent a letter to Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, urging a reconsideration of the ban. Bergum argues that the ban could negatively impact local economies, conservation initiatives, and cultural sensitivities in the United States.
President Trump, whose sons Donald Jr and Eric are avid trophy hunters, has already reversed a ban on trophy imports implemented during the Obama administration. Key hunting lobby groups, such as the Safari Club International and Dallas Safari Club, supported Trump’s re-election campaign.
The Mirror has been actively advocating for a ban on trophy hunting imports, a measure included in the Labour Government’s manifesto. Despite delays, Defra minister Mary Creagh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the ban last year. However, several trophy hunting bills failed to advance into law due to time constraints in Parliament, with one bill being thwarted by pro-hunting peers in the House of Lords.
Eduardo Goncalves, founder of The Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting, condemned the Trump administration’s attempt to influence the UK government’s decision regarding the ban. He emphasized that the British public and Parliament overwhelmingly support the ban and criticized the interference from powerful hunting lobby groups backed by Trump’s sons.
In his communication with Ms. Reynolds, Bergum expressed concerns that the ban could undermine conservation efforts globally and highlighted the importance of regulated hunting in maintaining wildlife populations, habitat restoration, and supporting local economies. He encouraged the United Kingdom to engage through established channels rather than enforce a blanket ban on all imports.
The Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting called for a steadfast response from UK authorities, including Keir Starmer, to confirm the ban’s legislation this year, emphasizing the cruelty and outdated nature of trophy hunting.