U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum speaks during the CERAWeek energy conference 2026 in Houston, Texas, U.S., March 25, 2026. REUTERS/Danielle Villasana
President Donald Trump's latest move to appease his administration's corporate donors sparked outrage on social media on Tuesday.
The Washington Post reported that the Trump Department of the Interior, led by Secretary Doug Burgum, voted to exempt oil and gas companies from existing rules under the Endangered Species Act when they are drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. A committee nicknamed the "God squad" met for the first time in roughly three decades on Tuesday to approve the exemption, in a meeting that lasted about 15 minutes, according to the report. Species such as Rice's whale are threatened with extinction because of the move.
"Trump officials said the decision would protect critical domestic energy production at a time when global supplies are disrupted by the war with Iran," the report reads in part. "It’s the first time that an administration has sought a national security exemption since the passage of the 1973 Endangered Species Act."
Political analysts and observers expressed outrage at the move and shared their reactions on social media.
"They're insane. They keep killing. And all for $$$," progressive political commentator Nicole Sandler posted on Bluesky.
"I'm currently working on a book project about the Deepwater Horizon oil spill that took place 16 years ago," author Seth Harp posted on X. "Please God do not let it suddenly become relevant to the news cycle."
"Another example of Big Oil getting what their millions of dollars in campaign donations pay for," Melanie D'Arrigo, executive director of the Campaign for New York Health, posted on X.
"Oh FFS," Emily Wood, assistant curator for Mount Holyoke College art museum, posted on Bluesky.
"The flat-out greed and disregard for anyone other than themselves is staggering. Still. Never get used to it!" author Michele Cagan posted on Bluesky.