RFK Jr. Backs Pesticide Production After Years of Fighting It

Kennedy's shift to support Trump's executive order on glyphosate production raises concerns among his environmental activist base.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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For years, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fought against the use of the controversial herbicide ingredient glyphosate as an environmental lawyer, even winning a landmark case against Monsanto. But now, as the nation's top health official under the Trump administration, Kennedy is supporting the president's executive order aimed at boosting glyphosate's production, drawing criticism from his longtime environmental activist supporters.

Why it matters

Kennedy's shift in position on glyphosate raises questions about the future direction of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, which he has championed. The MAHA coalition, which includes anti-vaccine activists, environmental defenders, and healthy food advocates, is seen as a politically important group for Republicans to win over to maintain their narrow majorities in Congress. However, the movement doesn't always agree with Republican policies, putting Kennedy in a difficult position as he tries to balance pleasing his base and the Trump administration.

The details

Trump's executive order is intended to protect domestic production of elemental phosphorus, which is used in military devices as well as to make glyphosate-based herbicides. It also seeks to protect the production of glyphosate-based herbicides themselves, which the administration says are critical to agricultural supply chains. Kennedy has repeatedly said that he believes glyphosate causes cancer, including as recently as January. While several studies have supported Kennedy's contention, the Environmental Protection Agency has said the chemical is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans when used as directed. Bayer, the owner of Monsanto, stands behind the safety of its glyphosate-based products.

  • For years as an environmental lawyer, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. crusaded against glyphosate.
  • In January 2026, Kennedy said he believes glyphosate causes cancer.
  • In February 2026, President Trump issued an executive order aimed at boosting glyphosate's production.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

An environmental lawyer who has crusaded against the use of the herbicide ingredient glyphosate, but is now supporting President Trump's executive order to boost its production as the nation's top health official.

President Donald Trump

The president who issued an executive order aimed at boosting the production of glyphosate-based herbicides, which Kennedy is now supporting.

Monsanto

The chemical giant that Kennedy previously won a landmark case against, arguing that its Roundup weedkiller contributed to his client's cancer.

Bayer

The owner of Monsanto, which stands behind the safety of its glyphosate-based products.

Zen Honeycutt

The founder of Moms Across America, a prominent MAHA activist who criticized Kennedy's support for the Trump administration's executive order.

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What they’re saying

“We love you Bobby but this administration needs to keep their word.”

— Zen Honeycutt, Founder, Moms Across America (Instagram)

“That is America Last, Anti-MAHA, and unforgivable.”

— Kelly Ryerson, Prominent activist (Social media)

“If there is a big plan, a big MAHA-style plan to move in the direction of detoxifying agriculture from these chemicals, where is it? What I'm seeing here is a very aggressive effort to try and hang onto MAHA principles even as, at every turn, you betray them.”

— Ken Cook, Head of the Environmental Working Group (Interview)

What’s next

The EPA has teased a forthcoming MAHA agenda that it says will address issues such as forever chemicals, plastic pollution, food quality, Superfund cleanups and lead pipes. On Friday, federal officials said they would enforce a tough, 10-year deadline for lead pipe removal to make drinking water safer.

The takeaway

Kennedy's shift in position on glyphosate has raised concerns among his environmental activist base, who view it as a betrayal of the MAHA movement's principles. The tension between Kennedy's support for the Trump administration's policies and the demands of his supporters could have significant political implications, as Democrats seek to capitalize on the rupture within the MAHA coalition ahead of the midterm elections.