Trump’s Order Aims to Boost Ingredient Used in Roundup

February 19, 2026 - 12:18

A new executive order targeting the increased domestic manufacturing of glyphosate, the active ingredient in the widely used herbicide Roundup, has drawn immediate criticism from supporters of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The order, framed as a measure to bolster agricultural supply chains and reduce reliance on foreign imports, has clashed directly with the health and environmental priorities advocated by Kennedy and his allies.

Critics argue that the push for more glyphosate production ignores ongoing public health debates and legal battles surrounding the chemical. Numerous lawsuits have alleged links between glyphosate exposure and serious health risks, though regulatory stances remain mixed. For Kennedy's supporters, who champion a platform often critical of conventional agrochemicals and their potential impacts, the order represents a significant policy setback.

The move has ignited a fresh debate within the administration, highlighting a stark divide between industrial agricultural interests and a growing faction focused on environmental health. Opponents of the order warn that prioritizing the production of a controversial chemical contradicts pledges to address public health concerns and could undermine efforts to transition toward more sustainable farming practices. The controversy ensures that glyphosate will remain a flashpoint in discussions about America's agricultural future.