The Trump administration has invoked special powers from a federal panel, the "God Squad," to exempt oil drilling companies from the Endangered Species Act. The panel, which includes the heads of several federal agencies now run by Trump appointees, allowed oil and gas companies drilling in the Gulf of Mexico to proceed without complying with the endangered species Act. This decision was approved by a judge on the grounds of national security. Critics argue that this move undermines the heart of American wildlife law and could lead to further erosion of endangered species protections. The decision comes after U.S. and Israeli military action against Iran escalated into a regional conflict that effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil transit.