President Trump says he plans to announce his decision on importing big game hunting trophies in the coming days.
“Big-game trophy decision will be announced next week but will be very hard pressed to change my mind that this horror show in any way helps conservation of Elephants or any other animal,” Trump tweeted on Sunday night.
The president’s post comes just days after US Fish and Wildlife officials revealed that they would start issuing permits for elephant trophies from Zimbabwe and Zambia — ending an Obama-era ban from 2014.
The move sparked widespread outrage, prompting Trump to temporarily reverse his decision on Friday.
“Put big game trophy decision on hold until such time as I review all conservation facts,” he tweeted.
Since elephants are still listed under the Endangered Species Act, many people feel that lifting the trophy ban would lead to an increase in both hunting and poaching.
White House officials claim the policy change stems from a study that was initiated during the Obama administration. The FWS says the decision is part of a “robust United States conservation strategy.”