Trump's 'God Squad' exempts Gulf oil drilling from Endangered Species Act requirements

Trump administration officials on Tuesday exempted drilling in the Gulf of Mexico from complying with Endangered Species Act (ESA) requirements.

The administration took the extraordinary step of convening the Endangered Species Commission — sometimes nicknamed the "God Squad" for its ability to condemn a species to extinction — for the first time in more than 30 years.

While oil production is currently ongoing in the Gulf of Mexico largely unimpeded, the exemption appeared aimed at circumventing litigation that seeks to protect endangered species, including the Rice's whale.