President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that directs an increased domestic production of glyphosate-based herbicides, including the well-known brand Roundup, under the auspices of the 1950 Defense Production Act. This action, taken on Wednesday, has led to significant criticism from environmental and health advocates, particularly those associated with the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement.
The President described glyphosate as "a cornerstone of this Nation’s agricultural productivity and rural economy," underscoring the potential economic impact of restricted access to the herbicide on food and feed demands. Brooke Rollins, the Agriculture Secretary, has been tasked with ensuring a consistent domestic supply.
The order also identifies elemental phosphorus, a crucial component in the production of glyphosate, as a substance of importance to both agriculture and national defense. This designation comes with the provision of legal immunity for manufacturers of glyphosate within the United States, a point that has been a flashpoint for criticism.
MAHA supporters, who had previously seen President Trump as an ally due to his actions aimed at reducing harmful food additives and regulating pesticides, have expressed their dismay. Zen Honeycutt, executive director of Moms Across America, criticized the executive order as a "deep betrayal." Concerns about the safety of glyphosate have been longstanding. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer labeled the chemical as "probably carcinogenic to humans." Studies have associated exposure to the herbicide with an array of health risks, including cancer, liver and cardiometabolic diseases, developmental issues, and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders.
Recent events in Florida have escalated public anxiety, with high levels of glyphosate detected in popular bread brands. The state issued warnings against the consumption of these foods, emphasizing the ubiquitous nature of the chemical.
The swift backlash has included critical comments from scientists and activists. Toxicologist Alexandra Munoz and Vani Hari, founder of Food Babe, have publicly denounced the executive order, with Lori Ann Burd of the Center for Biological Diversity calling it a "sickening love letter to the largest pesticide companies in the world."
This executive order's timing is notable as Bayer, the maker of Roundup, has proposed a substantial settlement to address lawsuits related to glyphosate's cancer risks. Simultaneously, Bayer has made significant political contributions, including to President Trump's inaugural committee.
Despite the controversy, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has defended the order, emphasizing its importance to America's defense readiness and food supply. However, bipartisan concerns have emerged in Congress, with Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) seeking legislation to counteract the executive order.
The American Farm Bureau Federation and other agricultural groups have endorsed the order for its role in securing domestic crop protection tools. Meanwhile, Bayer has agreed to comply with the directive to maintain production of glyphosate and elemental phosphorus.
Ken Cook, president of the Environmental Working Group, has characterized the order as a reversal of the reform promised to MAHA supporters. Critics argue that the order favors the chemical industry over public health commitments previously made under the MAHA banner.
