The Trump administration is facing accusations of attempting to pressure the British government to abandon its proposed ban on importing trophies from hunting. Doug Bergum, Trump’s Interior Secretary, penned a letter to Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, urging a reconsideration of the ban on grounds that it could negatively impact local economies, conservation efforts, and cultural sensitivities in the United States.
President Trump, whose sons Donald Jr. and Eric are known for trophy hunting, has already overturned a ban on trophy imports imposed during the Obama administration in the U.S. Various influential hunting lobby groups, such as the Safari Club International and Dallas Safari Club, supported Trump’s reelection campaign.
The Mirror has been actively advocating for a ban on trophy hunting imports, a measure that the Labour Government included in its manifesto. Despite some delays, Defra minister Mary Creagh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing the ban late last year.
However, several bills related to trophy hunting failed to progress into law due to time constraints in Parliament, with one bill being obstructed by a few pro-hunting peers in the House of Lords. Baroness Hayman, responsible for developing the ban legislation, has reportedly engaged with U.S. embassy representatives in London following the letter from the Trump administration.
Eduardo Goncalves, founder of The Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting, criticized the Trump administration’s interference, stating that the UK’s decision to ban trophy hunting imports is a matter of sovereignty. He highlighted broad public support for the ban and the unanimous backing of the ban by the House of Commons.
Goncalves emphasized the unethical nature of trophy hunting and the government’s pledge to implement the ban, calling on Keir Starmer to confirm the ban’s enactment this year. In his letter, Bergum expressed concerns that the ban could undermine wildlife conservation efforts and economic support provided by legal trophy hunting activities.
Bergum urged the United Kingdom to engage through established channels rather than pursue a blanket ban on all trophy imports.