Unprecedented Shift: Trump Administration Moves to End Animal Testing

In a groundbreaking announcement, the FDA and EPA will reduce their reliance on animal testing for drug and chemical regulations, embracing innovative technologies that simulate human biology. Animal rights groups, including PETA, praise this significant policy shift as a major win for scientific ethics.

The Trump administration is receiving unexpected accolades from both sides of the political aisle—including leading animal rights advocates, congressional lawmakers, and medical ethics supporters—following the announcement of extensive reforms aimed at terminating animal testing in federal programs under the FDA and EPA.

On Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration disclosed plans to gradually eliminate mandatory animal testing for antibody therapies and various other medical treatments, favoring innovative approaches such as organ-on-a-chip systems that replicate human biology.

This decision drew immediate commendation from PETA, one of the foremost animal rights organizations globally. Kathy Guillermo, PETA's senior vice president, stated, “PETA applauds the FDA’s decision to stop harming animals and adopt human-relevant testing strategies for evaluating antibody therapies. It’s a significant step toward meeting the agency’s commitment to replace the use of animals.” She urged the administration to extend these reforms by halting failed primate testing at federally funded research facilities and encouraged the FDA to further embrace contemporary scientific advancements.

Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency is also reducing its dependence on animal testing. This makes the Trump administration the first in U.S. history to take unified steps across various agencies toward modernizing drug and chemical testing processes.

The transition from animal testing not only signifies a landmark achievement in ethical scientific practices but also serves as a noteworthy policy victory, drawing admiration from groups that typically do not support the Trump administration’s broader agenda.