President Donald Trump ignited fierce criticism from the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement after signing an executive order on Wednesday directing increased domestic production of glyphosate-based herbicides, including Roundup.
The order cites national security concerns, invokes the 1950 Defense Production Act, and provides legal immunity for manufacturers producing glyphosate within the United States.
Trump emphasized the herbicide’s role in agriculture, describing it as “a cornerstone of this Nation’s agricultural productivity and rural economy” and warning that restricted access could “result in economic losses for growers and make it untenable for them to meet growing food and feed demands.”
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins was assigned responsibility for ensuring a steady domestic supply.
The order also highlights elemental phosphorus, essential in glyphosate production, as critical to both agriculture and national defense.
MAHA supporters, who had backed Trump for prior efforts to reduce harmful food additives, cancel mRNA vaccine contracts, and regulate pesticides, expressed shock.
Zen Honeycutt, executive director of Moms Across America, called the order a “glyphosate love letter” and a “deep betrayal of MAHA,” arguing it undermines steps previously taken to protect public health and farmland.
Concerns about glyphosate’s safety have persisted for years.
In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified the chemical as “probably carcinogenic to humans,” according to The Blaze.
Studies link exposure to cancer, liver and cardiometabolic disorders, developmental issues, and autism spectrum risk.
Adding to public concern, Florida recently detected high levels of glyphosate in popular bread brands and issued warnings against high consumption, highlighting the chemical’s pervasive presence in everyday foods.
Criticism from advocates and scientists has been swift.
Toxicologist Alexandra Munoz tweeted that the executive order “endorsed a carcinogen and enshrined it.”
Vani Hari, founder of Food Babe, described the action as “a dangerous misdirection,” while Lori Ann Burd of the Center for Biological Diversity called it “a sickening love letter to the largest pesticide companies in the world.”
The timing coincides with Bayer, the maker of Roundup, proposing a $7.25 billion settlement to resolve thousands of lawsuits alleging the company failed to warn users of glyphosate’s cancer risks.
Bayer stated that the settlement does not admit liability and contributed $1 million to Trump’s 2025 inaugural committee, according to The New Ledge.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who previously sued Monsanto over Roundup, defended the order, stating it “puts America first where it matters most — our defense readiness and our food supply.”
In contrast, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle expressed concern.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced legislation aimed at nullifying the order and preserving citizens’ rights to sue manufacturers, with Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) co-leading the effort, The Hill reported.
Industry and agriculture groups welcomed the move.
The American Farm Bureau Federation praised the order for securing domestic crop protection tools, and USDA Secretary Rollins stressed the need to reduce reliance on foreign imports.
Bayer confirmed it would comply with the directive to maintain glyphosate and elemental phosphorus production.
MAHA advocates described the order as a sharp reversal.
Ken Cook, president of the Environmental Working Group, said the decision shows “MAHA supporters were promised reform, and instead, they’ve been treated like a convenient group of useful idiots.”
Critics argue that Trump’s executive order prioritizes chemical industry interests over public health, undermining previous MAHA commitments.
