The Trump administration has been accused of attempting to "bully" the British government into abandoning its manifesto commitment to ban imports from trophy hunting.
US Lobbying Intensifies Over Sovereign UK Policy
In a significant diplomatic intervention, US Interior Secretary Doug Bergum has written to the UK's Environment Secretary, Emma Reynolds, urging her to reconsider the proposed ban. The letter, seen by The Mirror, argues that the legislation would harm local economies, conservation efforts, and US cultural interests.
This move follows President Trump's own reversal of a similar import ban enacted under Barack Obama. The issue is personal for the Trump family, as the President's sons, Donald Jr. and Eric Trump, are both known trophy hunters who have been photographed with kills, including a leopard.
Powerful Hunting Lobbies Behind the Pressure
The pressure campaign is linked to powerful American hunting lobby groups that were major backers of Trump's re-election bid. Safari Club International and the Dallas Safari Club are understood to have spent millions on disinformation campaigns and funding pro-hunting lobbyists in the UK to sway policy.
Eduardo Goncalves, founder of the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting, stated: "It is outrageous that the Trump Administration is attempting to bully the UK Government over a manifesto pledge supported by 9 out of 10 voters and virtually every party in Parliament."
He emphasised the strength of British democratic will, noting: "The House of Commons has twice voted unanimously in support of a ban. This is a sovereign decision for Britain."
Legislative Delays and the Path Forward
The Labour government, elected on a pledge to implement the ban, has faced legislative hurdles. Several Private Members' Bills have failed to become law due to a lack of parliamentary time, with one being derailed by a handful of pro-hunting peers in the House of Lords.
Despite these delays, Defra minister Mary Creagh reaffirmed the government's commitment late last year. Baroness Hayman, who is responsible for developing the legislation, has already discussed Bergum's letter with representatives from the US embassy in London.
In his correspondence, Bergum claimed that "legal, well-regulated hunting – particularly trophy hunting – plays a vital role in supporting healthy wildlife populations" and encouraged the UK to pursue narrower regulations instead of a blanket ban.
Campaigners are now calling on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to stand firm against foreign pressure and confirm that the ban will be legislated for this year, framing it as a test of sovereignty and a response to overwhelming public opinion.
