Donald Trump has signed an executive order that seeks to protect the production of glyphosate-based herbicides, including Roundup, which have been implicated in numerous cancer lawsuits in the US. The executive order not only aims to safeguard the domestic manufacture of these herbicides but also grants legal immunity to their manufacturers, prompting backlash from health and environmental advocates. Prominent groups, such as the Make America Healthy Again (Maha) coalition, have criticized the move as a threat to public health and environmental safety.

In addition to glyphosate, the order also focuses on the protection of phosphorus production, vital for the manufacture of agricultural chemicals and some military products. Trump’s justification emphasizes national security, stating that robust domestic mining and production of phosphorus and glyphosate are essential for America's economic stability and defense. This aligns with a broader agenda of the Trump administration to bolster domestic industries and reduce reliance on foreign products, particularly in the agricultural sector.

The executive order, issued under the Defense Production Act, underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the safety of glyphosate and similar herbicides. As legal challenges mount concerning the health impacts of these chemicals, particularly regarding their alleged link to cancer, the administration's position could further polarize public opinion and create friction between agricultural interests and health advocates. The implications of this order signal a potentially heightened conflict over environmental regulations and agricultural practices in the coming years.