The MAHA movement is intensifying its campaign against the Trump administration’s support for glyphosate, a widely used herbicide known by the brand name Roundup. This clash highlights the ongoing battle between health advocacy and pesticide industry interests.
As of early Tuesday, reports indicate that the Trump administration issued an executive order supporting the expansion of glyphosate production. This decision comes amid increasing scrutiny from environmental advocacy groups regarding pesticide regulation.
In California alone, 266,000 pounds of glyphosate were applied in state forests in 2023. The Forest Service plans to spray glyphosate on 10,000 acres of public land in Lassen starting in spring 2026. These actions have drawn sharp criticism from the MAHA movement.
Bayer, which acquired Monsanto, has faced significant backlash over glyphosate’s safety. The World Health Organization concluded that glyphosate is ‘probably carcinogenic.’ Bayer has agreed to pay over $12 billion in legal settlements related to glyphosate.
Environmental advocates argue that these developments threaten public health. Vani Hari, a prominent activist, stated, “You cannot claim to care about health while protecting poison.” David Murphy called the administration’s actions “appalling.”
The EPA has rolled back drinking water standards and weakened protections against air pollutants under the Trump administration. Critics highlight that this undermines environmental health efforts.
Glyphosate is used to kill competing plants to help commercially attractive conifers rebound faster after fires. However, critics warn of its dangers and call for stricter pesticide regulation.
The next ruling on glyphosate-related regulations is expected soon as legal battles continue between advocacy groups and the government.
