Recently Trump put a stop to the importation of Elephant trophies hunted in the African country of Zimbabwe. However, the permanence of this decision remains to be seen. The reason for his decision to temporarily reinstate the ban on importing big game trophies, which was put into place mid-way through Obama’s presidency as an attempt to stabilize the elephant population, is claimed to be that the choice to allow these trophies to once again be brought into the US was made without his knowledge or consent. Trump addressed his decision, writing, “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”. Despite these claims that hunting is a “horror show”, Trump’s sons have been known to hunt and have been photographed doing so. They claim, however that, while he let them hunt, he “really doesn’t understand why Eric and [Donald Jr.] hunt”.
Trump’s delayed involvement in the decision as well as his true rationale are being questioned. He may simply be exercising his role as the Chief of State attempting to uphold a good moral precedent set during the Obama administration. He may also be attempting to exercise his role as the Chief Executive who has influence over the implementation of policies and laws, but his final ruling on the matter is not yet known.
- What do you think Trump’s main motive is for temporarily (at least) banning the importation of these trophies?
- Do you think he will make this ban permanent? Why or why not?
2. Simply put, people made a large enough fuss for Trump to actually doubt a decision made by his administration. This, in and of itself, is note worthy. I think this points to a responsiveness in regards to the public's feelings towards this ban. It's clear to many that this was a just ban that denied a poorly organized program in Zimbabwe any validity in America. The very fact that he is willing to express doubt over the decision to lift the ban likely means he will actually reinstate it.
ReplyDelete1. Trump has a couple of motives for temporarily banning the importation of these trophies. First of all, according to the NY Times article, he simply likes elephants. Secondly, at the time he banned the importation, he was at a low in terms of his popularity. The Russian scandal was and continues to be a big story and at the time there was little to brag about in terms of the new tax bill. Reinstating this ban was a way to drag the media's attention from the negative aspects of his presidency and maybe even lift his approval rating.
ReplyDelete1. Trump's main motive for banning the importation of these trophies was most likely just to appear more likable. As the New York Times article mentioned, Trump has always allowed his sons to hunt. This makes it seem strange then that Trump all of a sudden cares about elephants. Simply saying that he likes elephants as the article stated is not enough of a motive to make a decision like this. Therefore, Trump's main goal was probably to appeal to the people more and distract from the other events happening like the investigation on Trump's ties with Russia as Jacob mentioned in his comment.
ReplyDelete2) I think that Trump will make this ban permanent for a few reasons. First of all, it makes himself and his party look good. These days, hunting has been frowned upon and saving an endangered species will please even the most liberal people. Plus there are relatively few elephant trophy hunters who could pose a threat at the voting booth. Second, Trump seems to disapprove of hunting and likes elephants so it make sense that he would keep the ban in place.
ReplyDelete1. I think that Trump's main motive for enacting the ban on hunting trophies is to discourage hunters from continuing preying on endangered animals. Because protecting endangered species is an effort that has been going on for some time, Trump can use this ban to garner support for him and his party. Trump also personally does not agree with hunting so this ban reflects his own wishes.
ReplyDeleteTrump’s main motive to temporarily ban the importation of these big game trophies is most likely to increase his popularity. Or another reason, which I honestly highly doubt is the true reason, could be, “the president [simply] likes elephants.” My skepticism towards the latter motive is not without reason. His sons, Eric and Donald Jr., are both hunters and he had not previously voiced his objections to their actions. This sudden interest in elephants is therefore most likely not his main motive. As a president who is fairly unpopular with the public, it would be much more likely that the implementation of this ban is to increase his popularity.
ReplyDeleteI think Trump's motive for this ban is to protect endangered animals and discourage the hunting and poaching of animals in general. I think another motive could have been to simply increase his popularity, but at least he did something good to protect the animals in doing so.
ReplyDeleteI think Trump's motive for this ban is to protect endangered animals and discourage the hunting and poaching of animals in general. I think another motive could have been to simply increase his popularity, but at least he did something good to protect the animals in doing so.
ReplyDelete2. I think Trump will make this ban permanent due to the positive repercussion it will bring for his party. It is also a decision where he can do very little harm towards his voters, since there are few big game hunters, while also improving his vote because he will gain sympathy from animal rights activist, which there are quite a few off. Speaking towards him letting his sons hunt, although he does let them it doesn't mean that he necessarily approves. Not all parents approve of every decision that their child makes but once they are adults the parent has no control. So Trumps sons are not an accurate representation of his beliefs.
ReplyDelete1. I think that Trump decided to continue the ban on importation of trophy animals due to public opinion. There has been a lot of backlash when Trump said he would resume the importation of Trophy animals. Donald Jr. and Erik Trump are known to go trophy hunting and get villainized by the internet, so Trump wants to stop this practice.
ReplyDelete1. I believe that Trump did this for two reasons. The first being that it will increase his popularity among the people and the second being that he would like to protect endangered animals. Temporarily banning importation will look good for both him and his party.
ReplyDelete1. I think that Trump probably could personally care less about the topic. Through his reputation and profile, he has done very little to serve the greater good, especially when he is involved in benefitting in some way. That said, it was a good move to continue the ban to gain further support and reflect a better party image.
ReplyDelete1. I think that Trump’s main motive is for banning the importation of these trophies is to make himself more popular. I find it hard to believe that he actually wants to protect endangered animals because, based on past conduct, he doesn't seem to care about the environment. He once said that climate change is a hoax, so it seems hard to believe that he would take the endangerment of species seriously.
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