PexelsTrump rolls back Endangered Species Act protectionsIn July, the Trump administration repealed a key protection under the Endangered Species Act by narrowing the longstanding definition of what it means to “harm” a protected species. Under the Endangered Species Act, the government already considers economic impacts, national security, and other relevant factors when making these decisions. On X, Senator Alex Padilla called them “absolutely disgusting,” while others have urged people to sign an Environmental Action petition asking Congress to support safeguarding the Endangered Species Act. “Over the past few weeks, the Trump administration has launched a barrage against endangered species across the country,” said Earthjustice senior attorney Elizabeth Forsyth in a statement. “These attacks on the Endangered Species Act are foolhardy and illegal, and the Trump administration will be hearing from us in court.”