The chemical has come under fire by the MAHA movement, with thousands of lawsuits across the country claiming exposure to it causes multiple types of cancer.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Feb. 18 declaring the United States’ supply of glyphosate, a controversial chemical used as a herbicide in commercial food production, a critical component of ensuring national and food security.
Trump’s order said there is no viable alternative to the chemical, and an adequate supply is crucial for domestic agricultural production, as the herbicide is instrumental in allowing American farmers to maintain high yields and low production costs. Meanwhile, the chemical has come under fire by the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, with thousands of lawsuits across the country claiming that exposure to it causes multiple types of cancer.
Glyphosate is a key ingredient in popular herbicide Roundup, produced by German-based agrochemical company Bayer’s subsidiary, Monsanto, and commonly used in U.S. food production.
“Lack of access to glyphosate-based herbicides would critically jeopardize agricultural productivity, adding pressure to the domestic food system, and may result in a transition of cropland to other uses due to low productivity,” the executive order reads.
“Glyphosate-based herbicides are a cornerstone of this Nation’s agricultural productivity and rural economy.”
A day before the president signed his executive order, Bayer announced that Monsanto submitted a proposal for a $7.25 billion class‑action settlement.
The company wishes to settle the thousands of lawsuits across the country in which plaintiffs allege that Roundup caused them to develop cancers.
Bayer issued a statement with its announcement of the proposal, stating that it is not an admission of wrongdoing or liability. Rather, it’s a decision to contain the litigation.
Trump’s executive order comes as the Supreme Court agreed to hear a Roundup case in April. The appeal, from Bayer, is against a $1.25 million award to a Missouri man who claims that Roundup caused him to develop blood cancer.
Bayer has maintained that Roundup is safe and is not carcinogenic, whereas MAHA advocates have singled out glyphosate as a contributing factor to long-term health effects in children.
Also as part of the Feb. 18 executive order, Trump aimed to secure the country’s elemental phosphorus supply, a key input used in all factions of the U.S. military. It’s used in smoke, illumination, and incendiary devices, as well as in the manufacturing of semiconductors for radar, solar cells, sensors, and lithium-ion batteries.
By Troy Myers
