Story perspectives

Kennedy Critiques Trump's Glyphosate Order Amid Food Reform Plans

2/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed mixed feelings about U.S. President Donald Trump's glyphosate order.
He said, "It's not something that I was particularly happy with," while noting glyphosate is necessary for the food system.
Kennedy reiterated concerns that pesticides are "toxic by design" and planned to reform the food system to reduce chemical reliance, drawing backlash from Make America Healthy Again.

History

Historical Context

The establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970 marked a significant shift in pesticide regulation, transferring authority from the USDA and FDA amid rising public health concerns. Glyphosate, introduced by Monsanto in 1974, became a widely used herbicide, applied on over 100 million acres annually. Today, debates over glyphosate's safety reflect ongoing tensions between agricultural productivity and public health, influencing future food system reforms.

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Story summary

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed mixed feelings about U.S. President Donald Trump's glyphosate order.
He said, "It's not something that I was particularly happy with," while noting glyphosate is necessary for the food system.
Kennedy reiterated concerns that pesticides are "toxic by design" and planned to reform the food system to reduce chemical reliance, drawing backlash from Make America Healthy Again.

1 / 2