Trump's Glyphosate Order Angers MAHA, Giving Democrats an Opening

Democrats see an opportunity to win back health-conscious voters after Trump's move to boost domestic production of the controversial herbicide

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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President Donald Trump's recent executive order to boost domestic production of the herbicide glyphosate has angered the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, which was a key part of his 2020 election victory. Democrats now see an opportunity to win back some of the health-conscious voters who supported Trump and MAHA co-founder Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The MAHA movement, which opposes chemicals in food, feels betrayed by Trump's actions that benefit the very chemicals they disavow.

Why it matters

The MAHA movement, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., played a crucial role in Trump's 2020 victory, with many Democrats crossing party lines to support the president. Trump's recent moves to benefit the chemical industry have created fissures in this base, potentially opening the door for Democrats to win back some of these health-conscious voters ahead of the pivotal 2022 midterm elections.

The details

Trump issued an executive order to boost domestic production of glyphosate, the main chemical in Bayer-Monsanto's Roundup herbicide, which has been linked to cancer. This has angered the MAHA movement, which opposes chemicals in food. The administration has also sided with Bayer-Monsanto in a Supreme Court case that would weaken petitioners' ability to sue over pesticide-related illnesses. Congressional Republicans are also pushing a new farm bill with what MAHA advocates argue is a "liability shield" for chemical manufacturers.

  • Trump issued the executive order on glyphosate production in February 2026.
  • Primary elections for the 2022 midterms are starting next week.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who is currently serving his second term in the White House.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The co-founder of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, who endorsed Trump in the 2020 election and was appointed as Health and Human Services secretary.

Chellie Pingree

A Democratic Congresswoman from Maine who is the top appropriator on the panel with oversight over the Environmental Protection Agency.

Kelly Ryerson

A MAHA advocate known as the "Glyphosate Girl" who is concerned about the movement's potential exodus from the Trump administration.

Jared Polis

The Democratic governor of Colorado who has been vocal on MAHA issues and was "excited" by RFK's appointment as health secretary.

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What they’re saying

“What the President did in the EO, and sort of saying, you know, 'trust me on this one, we'll get to it later,' has really angered a lot of people.”

— Chellie Pingree, Democratic Congresswoman from Maine (CNBC)

“This EO is feeling very, very much like the breaking point. People can't continue to make excuses for the administration and saying, 'well, you know, they'll get to it or whatever it is,' because it's just not happening.”

— Kelly Ryerson, MAHA advocate (CNBC)

“We need to demonstrate that we're actively working on those issues and that we'll do it in a way that will be consistent and predictable.”

— Martin Heinrich, Democratic Senator from New Mexico (CNBC)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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