Trump to revoke protections for endangered species in Gulf of Mexico

President is convening so-called ‘God squad’ to override provisions of Endangered Species Act for ‘national security’

Donald Trump is dispatching a so-called “God squad” of top officials to revoke protections for endangered species in the Gulf of Mexico, purportedly to protect national security by expanding oil and gas industry operations.

If successful, the administration may kill off dozens of protected species – from Rice’s whales and whooping cranes to sea turtles.