Bipartisan majorities in US favor banning glyphosate

Two-thirds of Americans support a complete ban on the use of glyphosate, the active ingredient in the widely used herbicide Roundup, according to a new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center. The finding comes from Wave 29 of the Annenberg Science and Public Health (ASAPH) survey, conducted from April 14 to 28, 2026, among 1,639 randomly selected U.S. adults. The results show broad public backing for restricting glyphosate, despite limited awareness of the chemical’s presence in everyday life. The survey found that 69% of self-identified Republicans and 70% of self-identified Democrats favor banning glyphosate. Support for such a measure is also high among independent voters, though less so than among party members. Notably, 72% of individuals identifying with the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement support a total ban, as do 70% of those who do not align with MAHA. These figures suggest that opposition to glyphosate is widespread across political lines. Despite this strong public sentiment, the majority of respondents reported having read, seen, or heard little about glyphosate in the past several months. Many remain unsure about the potential health risks associated with the chemical. This lack of awareness highlights a gap between public concern and actual knowledge about the substance. Glyphosate has been a staple in American agriculture since the 1970s, primarily due to its effectiveness in controlling weeds. However, growing concerns over its safety have led to increasing calls for regulation. Activists within the MAHA movement, particularly those affiliated with organizations like Moms Across America, have been vocal in their demands for a complete phase-out of glyphosate use on crops. Zen Honeycutt, the founder and executive director of Moms Across America, spoke publicly about her efforts to eliminate glyphosate from the food supply. At a rally titled “People vs. Poison” in April 2026, she emphasized her 14-year commitment to banning the herbicide. Similarly, health activist Kelly Ryerson, known online as Glyphosate Girl, urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement a permanent phase-out of glyphosate and related herbicides. On the other side of the debate, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has expressed concerns about glyphosate’s health impacts, citing studies linking it to various illnesses. He has not, however, pushed for a full ban. In a 2023 interview on the Joe Rogan Experience, he described his legal battles against Monsanto, noting the wide range of health issues potentially connected to glyphosate exposure. In early 2026, former President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order leveraging the Defense Production Act to bolster domestic production of glyphosate and elemental phosphorus. His move aimed to strengthen national security and agricultural resilience. The decision drew sharp criticism from MAHA supporters, some of whom had contributed to his re-election. Media outlets such as Politico highlighted the backlash against Trump’s stance, noting the impact of MAHA activism on political outcomes. Kennedy, appearing on the Joe Rogan Experience shortly after Trump’s executive order, defended the administration’s position. His remarks underscored the ongoing tension between regulatory bodies, industry interests, and grassroots advocacy groups. As the debate continues, the public’s call for stricter regulations appears to grow stronger, even amid conflicting messages from policymakers.