Trump Elevates Glyphosate to National Defense Status Amid Safety Debate

image via Medical Daily

February 20, 2026, 4:59 PM

• •Trump's executive order declares glyphosate-based herbicides as essential for national defense.
• •The order aims to safeguard domestic production and distribution of these chemicals.
• •The decision faces criticism due to potential health risks and environmental concerns.
• •The move has created political divisions within health advocacy groups.

Former President Trump signed an executive order deeming glyphosate-based herbicides essential to national defense, despite ongoing lawsuits and scientific scrutiny regarding potential health risks like cancer. The order aims to protect domestic production and distribution of the chemicals, citing concerns over agricultural productivity and food supply, and gives the Agriculture Secretary broad authority over the process. This decision has sparked debate among health advocates and environmental groups, with some criticizing the move as a betrayal of prior commitments to address dangerous agricultural chemicals and others supporting it to protect food and defense supply chains. Critics also fear the order could hinder accountability for manufacturers and increase glyphosate exposure in ecosystems.

Read original article