What Does Donald Trump's Victory in the 2024 Presidential Election Mean for Animal Welfare?
With Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, the future of animal welfare in the United States enters a new chapter.
Trump's administration has historically favored deregulation, which may have consequences for various facets of animal welfare, from factory farming to wildlife protection.
With this shift in leadership, animal protection advocates will need to navigate a political landscape that is likely to prioritize industry interests over stricter animal protections.
The Return of Deregulation and Industry Favoritism
Trump’s first term as president was marked by a strong push for deregulation across all sectors. This approach benefited industries like agriculture, where factory farming practices, despite their well-documented cruelty, often faced little interference from federal regulators.
During his first term, Trump’s administration rolled back key regulations aimed at protecting farmed animals, such as the Obama-era rules on animal welfare standards for poultry. In addition, he weakened enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), which governs the treatment of animals in research and captivity.
Given his track record, it’s likely that the new administration will continue these trends of reducing regulatory oversight on industries involved in animal agriculture, wildlife exploitation, and animal testing.
The Trump administration's stance on the environment and public health has often been aligned with corporate interests, which may hinder efforts to curb practices that are harmful to animals. For example, the factory farming industry, notorious for its inhumane treatment of animals, is expected to face minimal federal restrictions under Trump's second term.
This is troubling for animal welfare advocates, who fear that policies will continue to favor profit-driven industries over the well-being of millions of animals. The promotion of factory farming, especially in regard to the lack of enforceable standards, could contribute to worsened living conditions for farmed animals, such as overcrowded facilities and cruel confinement practices.
Wildlife Conservation and Environmental Protections
While Trump’s policies on domestic animals were characterized by deregulation, his stance on wildlife conservation is more complex. Throughout his first term, his administration pursued policies that allowed for trophy hunting, particularly in regard to species like elephants and lions.
Trump’s rollback of rules that restricted the import of animal trophies was seen as a direct blow to conservation efforts, particularly in countries where wildlife poaching is a major threat to endangered species.
Under his leadership, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also moved to weaken protections for endangered species, undermining the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which has been one of the most effective tools in the fight against extinction.
Given his previous positions, it is likely that Trump will continue to support the interests of hunters, ranchers, and others whose activities pose a threat to wildlife. However, there may be attempts to balance these views with promises to streamline regulations on conservation efforts.
Trump's administration might encourage voluntary compliance among industries that harm wildlife but may fall short of robust enforcement and regulation.
Despite these challenges, animal welfare advocates can still hope that the incoming administration will show an interest in supporting certain conservation programs that have proven to be beneficial for wildlife. However, the emphasis is expected to remain on reducing restrictions for industries that exploit wildlife for economic gain.
The Fate of Animal Testing and Research
Animal testing in laboratories and the biomedical industry is another area that could see significant change under a Trump administration. Historically, Trump’s regulatory policies have favored businesses that profit from animal testing, such as pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies.
In 2020, the Trump administration rolled back an Obama-era rule that restricted animal testing for chemical safety assessments, favoring industry interests over public health and ethical concerns. If Trump's policies align with this track record, we can expect a continuation of deregulation and minimal enforcement of laws aimed at reducing or eliminating animal testing.
While some within the scientific community argue that animal testing is necessary for medical advancements, many animal rights groups believe that the Trump administration will prioritize economic and industry concerns over animal welfare in this area. As a result, the push for alternative testing methods that do not involve animals may struggle to gain traction under the new administration.
Animal Cruelty Laws and Enforcement
One area where Trump’s administration might make a difference is in the realm of animal cruelty laws and enforcement. While Trump’s record on enforcement of animal protection laws has been mixed, his administration’s focus on crime and law enforcement might lead to increased penalties for certain forms of animal cruelty.
Trump has expressed support for legislation such as the PACT Act (Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture), which criminalizes animal abuse at the federal level, and it is possible that his second term could see stronger efforts to address egregious cruelty cases.
However, Trump’s broader approach to animal cruelty may remain inconsistent, particularly if enforcement is hampered by cuts to resources for regulatory agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Without sufficient funding and staffing, federal agencies tasked with investigating and prosecuting animal abuse could face difficulties in tackling the scale of abuse seen in industries like puppy mills, dog fighting rings, and factory farming.
Impact on Local and State Laws
While the president wields significant influence over national animal welfare policies, state-level and local elections will remain crucial for advancing animal protections.
Some states, such as California and Oregon, have historically led the way in passing stronger animal welfare laws, and with the election results now settled, we can expect these states to continue their advocacy for animal protection.
However, under a Trump administration, there is a risk that federal pressure could be exerted to preempt state-level laws that conflict with federal priorities, particularly in areas like animal agriculture and animal testing.
It is also possible that some states may be emboldened by the Trump administration’s stance on deregulation and animal protection to weaken local laws, particularly those that regulate farming practices and animal cruelty. However, this may be met with resistance from animal welfare groups and local communities who remain committed to strengthening protections.
While the political landscape may appear challenging for animal advocates in the Trump era, the continued momentum for animal welfare at the grassroots level and within local and state governments will be crucial in pushing for change. Through public advocacy, grassroots campaigns, and coalition-building, animal welfare organizations can continue to work toward the creation of a more humane society, even as the national administration prioritizes other interests.
The 2024 presidential election results indicate a significant shift for animal welfare policies in the United States, with a second Trump term likely to favor deregulation and industry interests over the protection of animals.
From factory farming to wildlife conservation and animal testing, Trump’s presidency poses significant challenges for the future of animal protection. However, through persistent advocacy, grassroots activism, and bipartisan collaboration at the local and state levels, animal welfare advocates can continue to push for meaningful change.
The struggle for animal rights in the U.S. is far from over, and while Trump’s victory may signal a difficult road ahead, there is still hope that the tireless work of animal welfare groups and passionate citizens will pave the way for a more compassionate future.
