Trump Mandates Glyphosate Production, Defying MAHA Campaign Promises

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who previously secured a landmark $289 million verdict against Monsanto for the chemical's health risks, now supports the executive order. Kennedy claimed the mandate secures America's defense readiness and food supply, despite his earlier campaign promises to confront dangerous pesticides. The administration’s pivot has drawn sharp criticism from health advocates, with Environmental Working Group president Ken Cook calling the order a shocking betrayal to the public.

Legal experts suggest the order may serve as a shield for Bayer, the owner of Monsanto, by granting potential immunity against ongoing public health litigation. This policy shift follows the recent retraction of a pro-glyphosate study due to ethical concerns regarding industry influence and financial ties. With Bayer recently agreeing to a $7.25 billion settlement for thousands of Roundup-related lawsuits, critics argue the administration is prioritizing corporate interests over the health of citizens living near agricultural sites.