Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is standing by President Donald Trump’s recent executive order aimed at boosting domestic production of glyphosate, a widely used herbicide. This move has sparked controversy within Kennedy’s own Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) coalition, which has long criticized glyphosate due to alleged links to cancer.
On January 7, 2026, Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to mandate increased production of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides. He cited national security concerns, stating that shortages of these chemicals could threaten food supply and defense readiness. In a statement to CNBC, Kennedy defended the order, asserting that it prioritizes America’s security and food supply. “When hostile actors control critical inputs, they weaken our security,” he stated, emphasizing the need for enhanced domestic production.
However, the MAHA movement, which notably supported Trump during the 2024 presidential election, is deeply troubled by this decision. Kelly Ryerson, a prominent figure within the coalition known as “The Glyphosate Girl,” expressed her frustration on social media, highlighting the contradiction of promoting a chemical that many in the coalition view as carcinogenic. “Just as the large MAHA base begins to consider what to do at midterms, the President issues an EO to expand domestic glyphosate production,” she remarked.
Ken Cook, president of the Environmental Working Group, criticized Trump’s action as a betrayal of assurances made to MAHA supporters. He stated, “Elevating glyphosate to a national security priority is the exact opposite of what MAHA voters were promised,” and warned that if Kennedy remains at HHS after this order, it could undermine his credibility regarding past glyphosate concerns.
Kennedy’s history with the subject is notable; he previously won a $290 million lawsuit against Monsanto for a case involving a man whose cancer was linked to Roundup, the commercial name for glyphosate. Trump’s executive order comes on the heels of Bayer’s proposal to settle numerous lawsuits alleging that Roundup is carcinogenic for $7.25 billion.
The agriculture sector has generally defended glyphosate, asserting it is critical for American crops like corn and soybeans. A statement from the House Agriculture Committee Republicans welcomed Trump’s order, describing it as essential for maintaining a domestic supply of this vital agricultural input. House Agriculture Chair Rep. G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.) is currently navigating a farm bill through Congress, which includes provisions regarding pesticide regulations that have also drawn criticism from MAHA activists.
As the midterm elections approach, the tension between the MAHA coalition’s principles and the administration’s support for glyphosate may complicate their political strategies and loyalties. Kennedy’s support for Trump’s recent actions will be scrutinized, especially given the mixed sentiments within a group that prides itself on prioritizing health and safety issues.
With the agricultural landscape and public health advocacy at stake, the implications of this executive order could reverberate beyond immediate politics, potentially reshaping the dynamics within the MAHA movement and influencing voter perspectives leading into 2026.
Original Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/19/trump-kennedy-glyphosate-maha-midterms-rfk-jr.html
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Publish Date: 2026-02-20 02:23:00
