Iowa Lawmakers Weigh Trump Order on Pesticide Lawsuits

Executive order aims to boost domestic production of glyphosate-based herbicides, raising questions about corporate liability

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Iowa lawmakers are discussing whether a recent executive order from President Donald Trump changes the need for state legislation to shield pesticide manufacturers from certain lawsuits. Trump's order invokes the Defense Production Act to prioritize the manufacture of glyphosate-based herbicides like Roundup, which has faced years of litigation alleging it causes cancer. The order includes a provision granting certain immunities to companies complying with it, raising new questions among legal experts and advocates already concerned about corporate liability.

Why it matters

The debate over glyphosate's safety has played out prominently in Iowa, where Bayer produces Roundup and operates multiple crop science facilities. Lawmakers have considered legislation to limit the ability of individuals to sue pesticide manufacturers over health claims, which opponents argue risks prioritizing agricultural output and corporate stability over public health.

The details

Trump's executive order aims to boost domestic production of glyphosate-based herbicides, which have been a cornerstone of industrial agriculture since Monsanto introduced Roundup in 1974. The order empowers the USDA to prioritize contracts and allocate resources to ensure a steady supply, and includes a provision granting certain immunities to complying companies. This has raised questions about whether it would shield Bayer, the Roundup manufacturer, from ongoing or future cancer-related lawsuits.

  • On February 19, 2026, President Trump signed the executive order.
  • One day before Trump's order, Bayer announced a proposed $7.25 billion settlement to resolve thousands of U.S. lawsuits alleging Roundup failed to warn consumers about potential cancer risks.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who signed the executive order aimed at boosting domestic production of glyphosate-based herbicides.

Bayer

The company that acquired Monsanto, the original developer of Roundup, in 2018 and has faced years of litigation alleging that glyphosate exposure causes cancer.

Janice Weiner

The Iowa Senate Minority Leader, a Democrat from Iowa City, who argued against legislation that would limit the ability of individuals to sue pesticide manufacturers over health claims.

Mike Klimesh

The Iowa Senate Majority Leader, a Republican from Spillville, whose chamber has passed legislation to shield pesticide manufacturers from certain lawsuits.

Pat Grassley

The Iowa House Speaker, a Republican from New Hartford, whose chamber has not advanced the legislation to shield pesticide manufacturers in previous years.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.