Trump convenes "God Squad" to override Endangered Species Act, up oil production

March 30, 2026

TL;DR

The Trump administration is using the "God Squad" to consider overriding Endangered Species Act regulations for all federally regulated fossil fuel operations in the Gulf of Mexico.
The stated reason for the exemption is "national security," a justification never before used for this purpose.
Critics, including the Center for Biological Diversity, argue this is a political attempt to increase oil production and bypass environmental protections.
Experts question the national security justification, noting current high oil production and the limited benefits of increased output.
The "God Squad" has only granted two exemptions in its nearly 50-year history, and this request is unprecedented in its scope.
The meeting aims to address potential impacts on species like the Rice's whale, which has a critically low population, and sea turtles.
Legal experts suggest the administration is bypassing standard procedures and that further litigation is likely.

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