RFK Jr. Shifts Stance on Pesticides, Backs Trump Order

Kennedy's support for Trump's move to boost glyphosate production sparks backlash from MAHA activists

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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For years, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fought against the use of the controversial herbicide ingredient glyphosate, even winning a landmark case against Monsanto. But now, as the nation's top health official, Kennedy is backing President Trump's executive order aimed at boosting glyphosate's production, sparking backlash from his Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) supporters who have grown impatient with the lack of action on pesticide regulation.

Why it matters

Kennedy's shift in stance on pesticides highlights the tensions within the MAHA movement, as the group's diverse coalition of anti-vaccine activists, environmental defenders, and healthy food advocates don't always align with Republican policies. This puts Kennedy in a difficult position as he tries to please his base of supporters while also maintaining his relationship with 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 he believes glyphosate causes cancer, but the EPA has said the chemical is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans when used as directed. Bayer, the owner of Monsanto, stands by the safety of its glyphosate-based products.

  • For years, Kennedy crusaded against glyphosate as an environmental lawyer.
  • In January 2023, Kennedy said he believes glyphosate causes cancer.
  • In February 2026, President Trump issued an executive order aimed at boosting glyphosate production.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

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

President Donald Trump

The president who issued an executive order intended to protect domestic production of elemental phosphorus and 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 by 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 Trump's executive order.

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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)

“It's been a year. Not a single thing has been done by the EPA to reduce our children's and families exposure to pesticides. We love you Bobby but this administration needs to keep their word.”

— Zen Honeycutt, Moms Across America founder (Instagram)

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

— Kelly Ryerson (Social media)

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.