Trump Order Strains MAHA Over Glyphosate Production
President Trump's Feb. 18 order invoking the Defense Production Act to boost domestic glyphosate production drew sharp criticism from MAHA activists and risks eroding the movement’s 2024 support, officials and activists said.
Overview
On Feb. 18, President Donald Trump issued an executive order invoking the Defense Production Act to increase domestic production of glyphosate.
The order followed Bayer’s proposal of a $7.25 billion settlement to address tens of thousands of lawsuits over Roundup and aimed to shore up supplies partly imported from China.
MAHA activists including Zen Honeycutt and Kelly Ryerson called the order a betrayal and said it risks eroding the movement’s support in November’s midterm elections.
Trump’s inaugural committee received a $1 million donation from Bayer, and Bayer said it would comply with the order to produce glyphosate and elemental phosphorus while USDA officials and farm groups praised the move.
MAHA activists are circulating a petition urging Trump to rescind the order, and White House spokesman Kush Desai said the action seeks to strengthen national security and end reliance on foreign imports.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as a betrayal and intra-movement conflict, emphasizing revolt and rhetorical shock. Editorial choices—loaded verbs ('open revolt', 'vehemently opposed'), selective context (Kennedy's anti-vaccine history emphasized), and quotes spotlighting dissent—construct a narrative of credibility loss and contradiction more than a policy-focused account.
Sources (6)
FAQ
The Defense Production Act of 1950 allows the President to prioritize production of materials essential for national defense. Trump invoked it on February 18, 2026, to ensure domestic supply of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides, delegating authority to the Secretary of Agriculture.
MAHA activists, including Zen Honeycutt and Kelly Ryerson, view the order as a betrayal because glyphosate (in Roundup) is linked to cancer lawsuits, and it grants legal immunity to producers, eroding the movement's health-focused goals and risking 2024 support.
The order confers immunity under section 707 of the Defense Production Act (50 U.S.C. 4557), stating no person shall be held liable for acts resulting from compliance with orders for elemental phosphorus and glyphosate production.
Bayer proposed a $7.25 billion settlement for Roundup lawsuits, donated $1 million to Trump's inaugural committee, and stated it will comply with the order to produce glyphosate and elemental phosphorus.[2]
Glyphosate is a cornerstone of U.S. agriculture, preventing farm productivity drops, rising food costs, and cropland loss; phosphorus is vital for military tech and herbicides, with heavy reliance on imports like from China.[1]
History
This story does not have any previous versions.