Donald Trump has announced a new initiative aimed at combating the invasive Asian carp species, which are wreaking havoc on the Great Lakes ecosystem. On 10 March, the former President took to Truth Social to share his plan, emphasising the need for collaboration with multiple governors across key states to tackle the issue.
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The invasive carp, which include species such as the silver, bighead, and black carp, were introduced to the United States from Asia in the 1970s for aquaculture purposes. However, these fish escaped into the Midwestern waterways, proliferating rapidly and threatening native fish populations by outcompeting them for resources. Trump’s announcement comes as part of a broader effort to safeguard the Great Lakes, which he described as “rather violent and destructive” due to the carp infestation.
In his social media post, Trump stated that he is working alongside Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and plans to reach out to governors in several other states including Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and New York. The former President underlined the urgency of the situation, noting that the carp are not only endangering the Great Lakes but also the vibrant environments surrounding them.
Trump also expressed his intention to enlist the help of Mark Carney, Canada’s former central bank governor, referencing a cheeky notion he has previously raised about Canada potentially becoming a U.S. state. The former President’s call to action highlights the political ramifications of environmental issues as he seeks to bolster support ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
While Trump’s involvement may form part of an effort to address the invasive species, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has been actively engaged in addressing the problem for more than five years. Reports indicate that the Corps has been working on strategies to manage and prevent the spread of invasive carp since 2020.
The USACE has received substantial federal funding—approximately $273.7 million in 2022 and 2023—to spearhead ongoing projects in the Chicago area. These initiatives aim to prevent the intersection of aquatic invasive species between the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes. A project partnership agreement signed by the Corps and the states of Illinois and Michigan aims to construct barriers and other measures to mitigate the issue at an estimated cost of $1.15 billion.
Local efforts to remove invasive carp have been in motion for years, particularly in Kansas, where wildlife officials confirmed in January that over 100,000 pounds of Asian carp were removed from the Kansas River since 2022. The state has observed notable successes in its removal programme, with 36,863 pounds of carp extracted in 2025 alone—the highest amount achieved in any one year thus far.
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is committed to the ongoing removal of these invasive species and encourages the public to assist by reporting sightings of the fish outside of known infested waterways. Public engagement is seen as pivotal in combating the spread of invasive carp and protecting native ecosystems.
As attention turns to environmental strategies, Trump’s announcement arrives at a critical juncture. It remains to be seen whether his plan will act in conjunction with existing initiatives led by USACE, or if it represents a separate campaign altogether. However, the incoming support from state governors hints at a potential collaborative effort, which could bolster existing campaigns against the invasive species.
With the situation growing increasingly serious, the government and local authorities continue to grapple with managing invasive species to safeguard the Great Lakes and surrounding habitats.