More than 200 public health advocates have warned President Trump that support for Republicans could falter if he backs efforts to block pesticide and PFAS oversight.
Leah Douglas reports for Reuters.
In short:
- Activists from the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement, including groups aligned with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., urged Trump to oppose parts of a House spending bill that would restrict the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ability to regulate pesticides and PFAS chemicals.
- The letter also criticizes efforts by Bayer to secure liability shields for lawsuits over its Roundup weed killer, which has been linked to serious health risks.
- Tensions have grown between MAHA supporters and the White House, as Trump navigates pressure from farm groups that oppose tighter agrochemical controls.
Key quote:
“Mr. President, creating broad liability protections for pesticides is a losing issue for your party and your coalition, and may well cost you the House majority in the midterms.”
— Letter signed by MAHA-aligned organizations
Why this matters:
Pesticide regulation sits at the crossroads of public health, environmental safety, and political power. As chemicals like glyphosate and PFAS become household names, the debate around their risks is no longer confined to labs and courtrooms. These substances have been linked to cancer, hormonal disruption, and immune system impacts, especially in children and farmworkers. Meanwhile, efforts to shield chemical makers from liability could weaken the legal recourse for affected communities. The Trump administration now faces pressure from two powerful forces: a farming sector wary of tighter rules and a public health movement demanding action on contaminants that linger in the body and the environment. With the 2026 midterms looming, the stakes of this regulatory fight are growing fast.
Related: House rider on pesticide labels pits Republicans against MAHA moms
