Image: The Invading Sea

Trump Administration Convenes 'God Squad' to Overrule Gulf Species Protections

30 March, 2026.USA.10 sources

Key Takeaways

The Endangered Species Committee, nicknamed God Squad, convened to consider exemptions for Gulf oil operations.
Officials cite national security to override protections, risking extinction of dozens of protected Gulf species.
Plan targets expanding Gulf drilling by removing protections for species Rice's whales and sea turtles.

Rare Committee Meets

The Trump administration convened the Endangered Species Committee to consider overruling protections in the Gulf of Mexico.

“Whales, sea turtles, eagles, waterfowl & bears all menaced by Trump administration rule reversals WASHINGTON D”

Animals 24-7

Defense Secretary Hegseth insisted the meeting citing national security reasons.

Animals 24-7

Only twice in the panel's nearly half-century has it ever lifted restrictions.

Center for Biological Diversity Sues

The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit to block the meeting.

A federal judge declined to block it.

Ars Technica

Environmental groups warned there is no emergency, no legal basis to convene the committee.

Risking Extinction of Gulf Species

The committee holds the rare power to approve projects that could lead to species elimination.

“The Interior Department is convening the Endangered Species Committee on Tuesday to negotiate an exemption from the Endangered Species Act for all oil and gas drilling activities in the Gulf of Mexico”