Kennedy doubles down on defense of Trump glyphosate order amid MAHA backlash
The Hill
by Rachel FrazinFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Health and Human Services Secretary, is strongly defending President Trump’s executive order that promotes the use of glyphosate, a controversial pesticide. This stance has sparked outrage within his own Make America Health Again (MAHA) movement, which he leads. The MAHA movement is known for its skepticism toward major industries, particularly Big Pharma, Big Chemical, and Big Agriculture. While Kennedy supports Trump’s decision to boost glyphosate use, MAHA members are critical, arguing that the pesticide poses risks to public health and the environment.
Glyphosate, commonly found in products like Roundup, has been a subject of debate for years due to concerns about its potential health effects. Critics argue that it can disrupt hormones and potentially contribute to diseases such as cancer. Environmentalists also warn that glyphosate runoff from farms can harm ecosystems and water supplies. These issues have made the pesticide a hot-button topic in the ongoing battle over agricultural practices and public health.
Kennedy’s defense of the executive order highlights a broader tension within the MAHA movement, which aims to promote natural health solutions and reduce reliance on conventional medicine and chemicals. While Kennedy supports Trump’s decision as part of his pro-agriculture stance, many MAHA members feel that glyphosate use conflicts with their mission to advocate for safer alternatives. This internal conflict underscores the struggle between political alliances and health concerns in the agricultural and chemical industries.
The controversy also reflects broader political divides over science, regulation, and public health. Kennedy’s
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/23/2026