After Two Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Reports and a Presidential Executive Order
Allegations of White House corruption have placed agriculture and the future of glyphosate under scrutiny, sparked by Calley Means, a former MAHA initiative leader and activist. He served as a senior advisor to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. before resigning in October 2026. Since then, Means has been on a media tour, including The Joe Rogan Experience, to target corporate lobbying, agricultural chemistry, and a February executive order utilizing the Defense Production Act to safeguard domestic supplies of glyphosate and elemental phosphorus. Farmers are particularly concerned as Means reportedly has influence over White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.
“The stuff we’ve promoted and worked on with Roundup and atrazine, he’s discarding it all. It’s not great PR, but we need to stay vigilant to keep our voices heard,” says Ken McCauley, a farmer from White Cloud, Kan.
Means claims glyphosate is a cancer-causing poison, despite numerous studies confirming its safety when correctly applied.
“Over 90 countries worldwide have approved this product for agricultural use, and there’s only one entity that I’m aware of that suggests it might be a carcinogen—the same entity that advises red meat and hot beverages could also be carcinogenic,” states Sam Kieffer, CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers.
Strict Guidelines Already in Place
Herbicides undergo rigorous testing by the EPA and must adhere to strict, federally mandated label requirements.
“Farmers are vigilant about using these products according to the label,” Kieffer emphasizes. “They read and understand the labels and apply these products safely on farms where their families reside.”
Future Innovation at Risk
This backlash not only endangers existing tools but also could stifle future investments in innovative crop protection technology, according to farm leaders.
“It’s crucial that there’s an environment that encourages manufacturers to invest in new technologies,” says Jamie Kress, president of the National Association of Wheat Growers.
Furthermore, eliminating proven chemistry has unintended environmental consequences.
“Without these products, the environmental benefits of reduced tillage will disappear,” Kieffer explains.
Science Over Soundbites
Despite the allegations, farm groups maintain that science will prevail.
“When our policies are backed by solid science, we come out on top,” states Matt Frostic, president of the National Corn Growers Association.
Kieffer adds, “Farmers simply want science to take the forefront, not two-hour podcasts.”