MAHA Moms Turn Against Trump: ‘Women Feel Like They Were Lied to’
NYT Homepage
by Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Hiroko TabuchiFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Trump’s recent executive order to boost domestic production of glyphosate, a controversial weedkiller linked to health concerns, has caused significant backlash from leaders of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s MAHA movement. The MAHA Moms, a group of health-conscious women who supported Trump in the 2024 election, feel betrayed by the decision, accusing Trump and his administration of prioritizing corporate interests over public health. This executive order has not only alienated these activists but also threatens to unravel the fragile alliance between the MAHA movement and Trump’s administration.
The MAHA Moms initially embraced Trump after he promised to address environmental toxins and pesticide risks during his 2024 campaign, leading many to switch from Democratic to Republican support. However, Trump’s decision to increase glyphosate production has angered these health advocates, as glyphosate is a chemical linked to thousands of lawsuits, including one filed by Kennedy himself. Alex Clark, a podcaster for Turning Point U.S.A., expressed frustration over rallying these women back to the Republican cause, questioning their trust in Trump’s commitment to their values.
Despite the outrage among grassroots activists, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has distanced himself from the criticism, stating that Trump’s order strengthens national defense and food security. Vani Hari, a former Democrat and food policy advisor, defended Kennedy’s stance, emphasizing his loyalty to the American people while acknowledging doubts about Trump’s alignment with their goals.
This conflict highlights the growing divide within the MAHA movement and raises concerns about the future of Trump’s political alliance with health-conscious voters. The betrayal
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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/20/2026