News
Elections · Glyphosate · MAHA · Pesticides
President Donald Trump's executive order promoting glyphosate production has ignited fury among Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) activists, a crucial voting bloc, jeopardizing Republican midterm election prospects and the coalition that secured his 2024 victory.
MAHA, brought into the GOP by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., vehemently opposes toxic chemicals like glyphosate, a prime target of their efforts. The White House defends the order as a national security imperative to ensure phosphorus supply, a key glyphosate ingredient also used in weapons and semiconductors, and to maintain food affordability, not an endorsement of glyphosate itself.
Democrats, including Sen. Cory Booker, criticize the move as prioritizing chemical company profits over public health.
MAHA influencers, such as Kelly Ryerson, report widespread anger among supporters who joined the movement specifically over pesticide concerns. Bayer, parent company of Monsanto (Roundup maker), recently announced a proposed $7.25 billion settlement for glyphosate-related lawsuits, and a key safety study was retracted in December.
Some Republican candidates, like Zach Lahn and Alex Zdan, are attempting to distance themselves or find a middle ground. Health Secretary Kennedy, despite his past stance against glyphosate, issued a statement backing the president's national security rationale.
