By: Miranda Green
Nov. 19, 2017
In a tweet Friday night, Trump postponed the decision to lift a ban on importing elephant hunting trophies from two African countries, surprising interest groups and his administration officials alike. Tweeting again on Sunday, Trump said he planned to announce his decision on the issue next week.
Ryan Zinke, Trump’s Secretary of the Interior, is working with the president to review the impact of the proposal to lift the ban, which was originally put in place by Obama’s administration. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has been reviewing the restrictions on importing elephant hunting trophies from Zambia and Zimbabwe “for years”, as mandated by the Endangered Species Act, but has determined the ban no longer necessary in elephant conservation.
To many animal rights or environmentally minded groups, such as the Humane Society, Trump’s choice to defer his decision on the matter is a surprising beacon of hope.
Questions:
- What types of economic impact could the lifting of the ban have?
- What does this inter-governmental controversy reveal about Trump’s administration and leadership?
- What role/effect did interest groups, public opinion and other outside parties play/have in this decision?
Greetings Jilly,
ReplyDeleteI noticed nobody had commented on your post and I felt bad so I figured I would respond to your third question. I feel as though interest groups such as the ASPCA or other wildlife supporting groups could have played a crucial role in preventing Trump from lifting this piece of legislation. Interest groups play crucial roles in persuading Congress members and even the president through lobbying to their interests. Thus these groups could have mentioned the impact lifting this ban could have on public opinion or on their interests. Anyways have a wonderful winter break Jilly! Good luck on the Gov final tomorrow!
Sincerely,
ELI
Good Day Jilly,
ReplyDeleteEli's comment seemed quite lonely so I decided to comment on your blog as well. I think by not lifting the ban, Trump is showing that he is responding to the public. He has been previously unresponsive to the media and public opinion, and this is a positive incident as it shows that Trump is open to changing his own views. I hope that you had a happy Hanukkah and that you succeed on this upcoming Calculus Final. Good day and all the best.
Your Good Friend,
Raja
Hello Jilly,
ReplyDeleteYour friends are so nice! ^^^ I just wanted to say that I am finally happy to a change of events where Trump finally made a decision that is in favor of the people. Interest groups that support wildlife must be quite thrilled because of the potential influence they could've had on this. This shows that Trump is somewhat becoming a leader and doing what the people would want. I hope now you can finally relax and get ready to be a second semester senior!
Cheers,
Anna
If he had lifted the ban the world of ivory would flood into America. Possibly reopening form of art. Trump changing his mind like it is probably influence from his cabinet or other advisors. Depicting a flaw in similar ideology shared by our President and Government, especially since our congress where Republicans hold the majority.
ReplyDeleteTrump's postponing of lifting the ban on African elephant hunting seems to be a publicity stunt. He said he would delay his decision, which sheds some relatively positive light on him and his administration, and he could use some good news. However, he did not say for sure that he would keep the ban in place, which is ultimately what we want, as African elephant hunting trophies are inhumane and cruel.
ReplyDeleteThis will have a huge impact on interest groups advocating against this. This is yet again another ploy for Trump to assert himself as a strong government official, and hopefully will not go through.
ReplyDeleteInterest groups definitely had an impact on Trump's decision. However, I also think this ban was easier to justify, as most people can agree that elephant hunting trophies are inhumane. By giving this beacon of hope or extending an olive branch to his opposition, Trump may be expecting something in return or showing that he is for the people, when it was not as much of a loss for him and his party.
ReplyDelete