RFK Jr's Dramatic Pivot on Pesticides Sparks Political Turmoil
In a remarkable reversal of his long-standing environmental advocacy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has thrown his support behind President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at increasing domestic production of glyphosate, the controversial herbicide ingredient he once fought vigorously in court. This policy shift has created significant political fractures within the administration's coalition just months before crucial midterm elections.
From Environmental Crusader to Administration Ally
For decades, Kennedy built his reputation as an environmental lawyer challenging pesticide manufacturers, most notably winning a landmark case against Monsanto by arguing their Roundup weedkiller contributed to his client's cancer diagnosis. Now serving as the nation's top health official, Kennedy has aligned himself with Trump's directive that not only seeks to boost glyphosate production but also grants limited legal immunity to manufacturers following federal guidelines.
In a detailed social media statement posted Sunday evening, Kennedy acknowledged pesticides as "toxic by design" but framed the executive order as essential for agricultural stability and national security. "President Trump did not build our current system — he inherited it," Kennedy wrote. "I support President Trump's Executive Order to bring agricultural chemical production back to the United States and end our near-total reliance on adversarial nations."
Growing Backlash from Environmental Allies
This position has sparked immediate backlash from Kennedy's traditional environmental supporters, particularly those within the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement that helped propel his rise to influence. Zen Honeycutt, founder of Moms Across America and prominent MAHA activist, responded directly to Kennedy's post: "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."
The criticism extends beyond activist circles to include veteran environmental advocates. Ken Cook, head of the Environmental Working Group, questioned the administration's commitment to meaningful change: "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."
Scientific and Regulatory Controversies
The executive order specifically aims to protect domestic production of elemental phosphorus, used in military applications and glyphosate-based herbicides, which the administration deems critical to agricultural supply chains. This move occurs despite Kennedy's repeated assertions that glyphosate causes cancer, including statements made as recently as January.
While several studies have supported Kennedy's cancer concerns, the Environmental Protection Agency maintains that glyphosate is "not likely to be carcinogenic to humans when used as directed." Bayer, which now owns Monsanto, defended its products in a statement: "We stand behind the safety of our glyphosate-based products which have been tested extensively, approved by regulators and used around the globe for more than 50 years."
Political Calculations and Electoral Implications
The policy shift places Kennedy in what Boston University professor Matt Motta describes as a "tough spot" politically. "He does need to try to please his base of supporters who care a lot about this issue and presumably think that it can cause cancer – while also pleasing the president if he wants to be able to keep this job," Motta explained.
Democrats are already capitalizing on the growing rift. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, facing reelection this fall, called the executive order "a slap in the face to the thousands of Americans who have gotten cancer from glyphosate," arguing the administration's message suggests "chemical company profits are more important than your health."
Democratic strategist Anjan Mukherjee anticipates more candidates will emphasize to MAHA supporters "how this administration has failed them," noting: "What this administration has shown to them over and over again is that they're only interested in enriching themselves and putting more money into the pockets of the wealthy."
Administration's Balancing Act
Kennedy maintains he is working with the USDA and EPA to expedite a future where the food supply doesn't rely on harmful chemicals, pointing to December's $700 million regenerative agriculture pilot program as evidence of progress. The EPA has also teased a forthcoming MAHA agenda addressing various environmental concerns, with press secretary Brigit Hirsch stating the plan is "in the final stages" and will reaffirm the agency's commitment to scientific transparency regarding pesticides.
David Mansdoerfer, a former Trump administration health official now advising MAHA groups, framed the upcoming election as a crucial decision point: "MAHA has a choice this election season. Support the Trump administration and continue to have a voice in Washington or stay at home and watch their federal agenda come to a halt."
As the midterms approach, Kennedy's pesticide policy reversal has created unexpected political dynamics, testing loyalties within the MAHA coalition while providing Democrats with fresh ammunition against an administration already facing narrow congressional majorities.
