The development of genetically engineered animals arose from work in the United States in the early 1980s, with the first GE livestock being reported in 1985. Since that time a large number of gene constructs have been inserted into livestock with the intention of use in food production. However, to date no GE animal product has been approved for use in food anywhere in the world.  A number of potentially valuable GE animals will be presented followed by my interpretation of the impact of the anti-GE movement and political forces have had on the development of this research in the US.