Trump Declares Glyphosate Production Critical for National Security

On February 18, 2026, President Donald Trump signed an executive order invoking the Defense Production Act to designate glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, as critical to U.S. national and food security. The order emphasizes the necessity of domestic production of glyphosate and elemental phosphorus, which is essential for manufacturing glyphosate and certain military equipment. Trump stated, “I find that ensuring robust domestic elemental phosphorus mining and United States-based production of glyphosate-based herbicides is central to American economic and national security.” The executive order mandates Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to implement measures to bolster the supply of these chemicals.

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Glyphosate has been a focal point of controversy, particularly among the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, which has raised concerns about its alleged links to cancer. Thousands of lawsuits have been filed across the United States claiming that exposure to glyphosate causes various types of cancer. The chemical is produced by Bayer, which has proposed a $7.25 billion settlement for lawsuits related to its glyphosate-based product, Roundup. The MAHA movement has been vocal in its opposition to glyphosate, advocating for healthier agricultural practices.

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In the context of the executive order, a White House fact sheet noted that without immediate federal action, the U.S. could face vulnerabilities in its defense and food supply chains. The fact sheet highlighted that there is only one domestic producer of both elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides, underscoring the potential risks of relying on foreign sources. Monsanto, the company behind Roundup, supported the executive order, stating it "reinforces the critical need for U.S. farmers to have access to essential, domestically produced crop protection tools such as glyphosate."

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Despite the administration's stance, the MAHA movement continues to challenge the safety of glyphosate. Critics argue that prioritizing glyphosate production overlooks the health risks associated with its use. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who previously led the MAHA movement and has a history of litigation against glyphosate producers, has softened his position since being nominated as Secretary of Health and Human Services, emphasizing the importance of not jeopardizing farmers' livelihoods.

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While the executive order emphasizes the necessity of glyphosate for national security, the ongoing legal battles and health concerns surrounding the chemical present a complex narrative. Critics argue that the potential health risks associated with glyphosate exposure could outweigh its agricultural benefits, leading to a contentious debate over its continued use in U.S. agriculture.

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• “Without immediate Federal action, the United States remains inadequately equipped and vulnerable.” — President Donald Trump

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• “We cannot take any step that will put a single farmer in this country out of business,” — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services

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• “reinforces the critical need for U.S. farmers to have access to essential, domestically produced crop protection tools such as glyphosate.” — Monsanto Statement

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