The Uncertain Road Ahead for Animals in Trump’s America

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As President Elect, Donald Trump, returns to office, the animal welfare community is once again facing significant challenges. Under Trump’s previous presidency, policies overwhelmingly supported industrial agriculture and deregulation. With Trump soon to be back in the White House, and his ally Ron DeSantis in the mix, can animal advocates overcome the entrenched interests supporting industrial farming?

The Aftershock of Trump’s Policies

During his first term, Trump’s regulatory changes severely undermined both environmental protections and animal welfare standards. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) shifted toward a pro-corporate agriculture stance, easing restrictions on industrial farming practices and reducing oversight of humane slaughter laws. 

A defining aspect of Trump’s presidency was his prioritization of the dairy and meat industries. Despite the growing popularity of plant-based diets and increasing public support for animal rights, the Trump administration enacted policies that bolstered industrial farming. It also dismissed ballot measures like California’s Prop 12, which aims to improve conditions for pigs and chickens, by challenging them at the federal level.

On top of this, large-scale farming operations disproportionately benefited from trade-related subsidies, diverting money from potential animal welfare advancements into the agricultural treasury. Shockingly, the aid extended to farmers during trade wars exceeded even the costs of maintaining the U.S. nuclear arsenal.

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What’s Next for Animal Welfare Under a Trump Administration?

With Trump’s return, the prospects for animal welfare advocates remain grim. Ron DeSantis, seen as a close ally of Trump, has also shown unwavering support for corporate agriculture, continuing to court the powerful agri-business lobby. Both Trump and DeSantis are known for downplaying the shift toward cruelty-free and plant-based diets, making statements that undermine the growing consumer movement toward more humane food choices.

Additionally, Trump-aligned groups continue to push for Project 2025, a policy plan that aims to undo progressive animal welfare reforms and environmental protections tied to agriculture.

Concerns are also mounting about the future of the USDA, particularly under Trump’s leadership. Advocates worry that progressive state laws in states like California and Colorado, that focus on improving animal welfare standards, could face severe pushback from a federal government aligned with Trump’s agenda. As activist Paul Shapiro has pointed out, this could lead to diminished protections against animal cruelty.

Taking a Stand

Despite challenges, signs of resistance are emerging. Advocates are harnessing the growing popularity of plant-based diets to build public opposition to industrial farming, highlighting the deep connections between food choices, personal health, and animal welfare.

Paving a Path Forward

As Trump begins his second term, animal advocates must refocus their efforts on consumer empowerment and public education. Americans are becoming increasingly aware of the interwoven relationships between environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and personal health. By emphasizing these intersections, animal welfare groups can continue to drive policy changes, even in the face of significant opposition from the federal government.

For those working to protect animals, Trump’s return to power serves as a reminder of the uphill battle ahead. Yet, as public opinion continues to shift toward more sustainable and humane practices, grassroots movements remain a beacon of hope for a more compassionate future in America.