Trump Order Boosts Glyphosate Production

Trump Order Boosts Glyphosate Production

On February 18, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order invoking the Defense Production Act to designate glyphosate herbicides and elemental phosphorus as critical to national security and the domestic agricultural supply chain. The order directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to prioritize and secure domestic production of these materials, which are widely used in American farming. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in many weedkillers, including products originally produced by Monsanto and now marketed by Bayer. The move aims to protect the U.S. supply of glyphosate-based herbicides and support agricultural productivity, citing risks associated with limited domestic production. Bayer, which acquired Monsanto in 2018, has faced tens of thousands of lawsuits alleging a link between glyphosate exposure and cancer, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

The order sparked backlash from health advocates and environmental groups, including members of the Make America Healthy Again movement, who argued that the decision disregards long-standing health concerns linked to glyphosate exposure and undermines public confidence in chemical safety protections. Supporters of the order maintain it is necessary to safeguard food supply and defense readiness. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}