health
February 19, 2026
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.
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