Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to boost U.S. production of phosphorus and glyphosate herbicides, citing national security and supply chain risks.

Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to prioritize domestic production of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides, designating both as critical to national security due to their roles in agriculture and defense. The move aims to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains, particularly for phosphorus, which is vital for military applications and semiconductors. The order directs federal agencies to support domestic production through incentives and resource allocation, targeting Bayer, the sole U.S. producer of glyphosate-based herbicides. While the U.S. EPA does not classify glyphosate as a carcinogen, the WHO’s IARC lists it as a probable carcinogen, and Bayer faces thousands of lawsuits over health claims. The order grants legal immunity to compliant producers and underscores growing concerns over supply chain vulnerabilities in agriculture and defense.