Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently announced new nutrition policies at a press conference. The spotlight, however, is on his support for President Donald Trump’s executive order to boost domestic production of glyphosate, a widely used herbicide.
Trump’s decision to invoke the Defense Production Act aims to address shortages in glyphosate and elemental phosphorus, stressing their importance for national security. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Bayer-Monsanto’s Roundup, is key in U.S. agriculture, especially for crops like corn and soybeans.
Kennedy defended this move, saying it prioritizes America’s food supply and defense. He stated, “When hostile actors control critical inputs, they weaken our security. By expanding domestic production, we close that gap and protect American families.”
However, this decision has sparked backlash among Kennedy’s supporters in the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, who are opposed to glyphosate due to its alleged links to cancer. Kelly Ryerson, known as “Glyphosate Girl,” called the timing of the executive order a betrayal of MAHA values.
Critics like Ken Cook, president of the Environmental Working Group, emphasized that elevating glyphosate to a national security concern contradicts what MAHA voters expected. Cook remarked, “If Secretary Kennedy remains at HHS after this, it will be impossible to argue that his past warnings about glyphosate were anything more than campaign rhetoric.”
Interestingly, Kennedy, who once won a significant lawsuit against Monsanto for a cancer claim tied to Roundup, faces a complex situation. After Trump’s executive order, Bayer proposed to settle a series of lawsuits regarding glyphosate for $7.25 billion, raising further questions about the future of glyphosate’s regulation.
Despite the mounting criticisms, some agricultural groups support the order. The House Agriculture Committee praised the move, asserting it ensures a stable supply of necessary agricultural inputs. As the political landscape shifts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, the implications of this decision could resonate widely.
In the context of public sentiment, social media reactions have been mixed. Many MAHA advocates are voicing their concerns over the commitment to health versus the perceived need for glyphosate in agriculture.
As agriculture continues to evolve, the debate over glyphosate highlights the balancing act between food security and public health. With a growing body of research examining glyphosate’s safety, including a recent study indicating potential long-term health effects, stakeholders need to engage in informed discussions to guide future policy decisions.
Understanding the complexities behind such policies is crucial as they directly affect both health and agriculture in America.
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