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Trump Administration Exempts Gulf Drilling, Risks Endangered Rice's Whale

4/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration exempted Gulf of Mexico drilling from the Endangered Species Act, risking the Rice's whale, which has fewer than 51 individuals.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says boosting domestic oil production is vital for national security amid tensions with Iran.
Environmental groups condemn the exemption and warn that it could threaten the Rice's whale and other endangered species.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration exempted Gulf of Mexico drilling from the Endangered Species Act, risking the Rice's whale, which has fewer than 51 individuals.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says boosting domestic oil production is vital for national security amid tensions with Iran.
Environmental groups condemn the exemption and warn that it could threaten the Rice's whale and other endangered species.