Trump reverses decision to allow elephant trophy imports — but will it stay?

There is no stated motivation for Trump's reversal but the president received widespread condemnation from not only conservationists, but some of his own supporters as well, for his decision to reverse the Obama-era rule. The decision especially outraged many because his sons, Donald Trump Jr., and Eric Trump, are known to be big game hunters.

Rep. Ed Royce, R-Calif., who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said on Friday that Trump's original decision to lift the ban was premature, given the "economic and political crisis" in Zimbabwe, but suggested it should be lifted when "the time is right."

"When carefully regulated, conservation hunts can benefit habitats and wildlife populations. That said, this is the wrong move at the wrong time," Royce said in a statement. "In this moment of turmoil, I have zero confidence that the regime – which for years has promoted corruption at the highest levels – is properly managing and regulating conservation programs. Furthermore, I am not convinced that elephant populations in the area warrant overconcentration measures."

Royce added, "The administration should withdraw this decision until Zimbabwe stabilizes."

While Trump's decision to keep the Obama-era policy marks an important step, it's not yet clear if it will be longstanding. The decision will undergo a review, and a future decision will be made depending on the results.

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