Trump order seeks to protect weedkiller at center of barrage of lawsuits
President’s move, which also seeks ‘immunity’ for makers, faces backlash from health advocates and Maha coalition
TL;DR
- Donald Trump signed an executive order protecting the production of glyphosate-based herbicides like Roundup.
- The order provides 'immunity' for makers of these herbicides and protects domestic production of elemental phosphorus.
- The White House cited national economic and security interests, including food-supply security, as reasons for the order.
- The order is criticized by health and environmental advocates, including the Make America Healthy Again (Maha) coalition, who link glyphosate to cancer and health problems.
- Bayer, the maker of Roundup, faces tens of thousands of lawsuits and is proposing a $7.25 billion settlement.
- The executive order cites authority under the Defense Production Act, conferring immunity from liability for acts resulting from compliance with the order.
- Critics, like Vani Hari and Kelly Ryerson, argue the order prioritizes chemical companies over public health and betrays voters' trust.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a critic of glyphosate, stated the order "puts America first where it matters most – our defense readiness and our food supply."
- Bayer stated it will comply with the order and maintains its glyphosate herbicides do not cause cancer, while continuing efforts to limit lawsuits.