A recent investigation carried out by The New York Times has revealed that federal sales of protected mustang horses have increased sharply under the Trump administration. Indeed, the report examined the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Sale Authority program and found that sales surged after Donald Trump returned to office.
About 3,700 horses were sold by the BLM in 2025, more than double the previous year's total, according to bureau records cited by the Times. This has raised concerns among animal welfare groups that some of the animals could ultimately enter slaughter channels.
In this gallery, we take a closer look at what's been alleged and how the BLM has responded. We also profile the horse in question, the mustang—one of the most iconic of American wild animals. Click on to continue reading.