The Trump administration is actively pushing to end wasteful and harmful animal testing across federal agencies while also prioritizing efforts to retire laboratory animals to sanctuaries and private homes. This initiative reflects years of advocacy from the watchdog group White Coat Waste Project (WCW), which has been pivotal in exposing the misuse of taxpayer money in cruel government experiments that harm animals.
A significant development in this campaign comes from the Trump-run Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency recently announced its intention to cease all primate testing. This decision follows investigations by WCW, which brought to light the ethical concerns surrounding these experiments. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has committed to demonstrating leadership by phasing out such testing and working closely with WCW. Reports indicate that HHS is now considering placing surviving monkeys from CDC facilities into sanctuaries, a goal that WCW has championed since 2018.
This effort aligns with the policy changes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where starting October 1, 2025, the agency will focus on human-based research and no longer prioritize funding for animal models. This shift is expected to reduce the use of animals in experiments and complement retirement initiatives. Previously, retirement funding had been restricted, but recent adjustments now allow for budget allocations to transition lab animals to sanctuary living.
Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revived a plan initiated during Trump’s first term aimed at phasing out animal testing by 2035. The agency reports achieving over 30% reductions in animal testing by 2025, which is significant progress. Plans have been introduced for EPA staff to adopt lab animals, including rats and fish, while certain rabbits have already found homes outside of the labs.
The Navy, which has long operated a program that trains dolphins and sea lions for various military tasks, faces renewed scrutiny. WCW has called for an end to this 60-year-old program. Investigations revealed that some of these animals had been captured from the wild or obtained from institutions like SeaWorld. Although the Navy had plans to replace this program with technology like drones and artificial intelligence, previous Congressional mandates required the program’s continuation. With those mandates lifted, advocates are calling for a humane retirement of these marine mammals.
Anthony Bellotti, president and founder of WCW, expressed a strong sentiment about the need to rescue these animals. “Taxpayers bought these animals, and we want Uncle Sam to give them back,” he said, emphasizing that “dogs, cats, primates, and other animals abused in wasteful government experiments deserve a second chance.” His gratitude extends to the Trump administration for its commitment to these reforms.
Historically, the partnership between WCW and the Trump administration has led to notable victories. For instance, a WCW investigation forced the FDA to halt nicotine addiction experiments on baby squirrel monkeys, resulting in a federal first: the retirement of some survivors to a sanctuary. Additionally, a significant success involved the USDA shuttering its largest cat laboratory after it was found to be involved in disturbing practices, spending $22 million on unethical experiments that resulted in the deaths of thousands of animals.
Despite these advancements, groups like PETA have been vocal in their criticism of the Trump administration’s actions, misleadingly claiming that no meaningful progress has been made in stopping animal experimentation. The backlash from these organizations has been pointed, with PETA recently attacking WCW for its critiques of NIH staff. The response from WCW has drawn attention for its tone, describing the organization’s mentality as out of touch with reality.
Ultimately, the Trump administration’s restoration of America First policies has highlighted a crucial link between reducing government waste and protecting animal welfare. This emerging approach showcases a commitment to ethical standards and fiscal responsibility while critics like PETA find themselves increasingly isolated in their narratives. The efforts to reshape animal testing practices demonstrate a broader trend toward accountability and compassion, potentially reshaping the landscape of animal research in federal facilities altogether.
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