Key Points:
- U.S. President Trump signed an order protecting phosphorus and herbicide supplies.
- The White House invoked the Defense Production Act to secure supply chains.
- Officials fear that relying on foreign nations threatens national security.
- Farmers recently warned that tariffs are raising food production costs.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed a new executive order on Wednesday aimed at protecting the U.S. supply of two critical chemicals: elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides. The administration invoked the Defense Production Act to ensure these materials remain available for both the military and American farmers.
The White House argues that a shortage of these materials poses a serious national security risk. In a statement, officials explained that any interruption in supply could leave the defense industry and the nation’s food production vulnerable to “hostile foreign actors.” Currently, only one domestic producer makes both of these specific materials, making the local supply chain incredibly fragile.
The order hands specific responsibilities to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. She must work alongside the Defense Department to create regulations that determine how to allocate these chemicals. The goal is to guarantee a continuous supply. Rollins supported the decision, stating that if American farmers rely on foreign adversaries for essential inputs, the country loses the ability to feed itself.
This move addresses growing economic pressure. Farmers have warned the administration that recent tariffs on imported fertilizers and weed killers are driving up the cost of growing crops. Trump has acknowledged that rising food prices are a critical issue for voters as the midterm elections get closer.
The two materials serve very different purposes. Elemental phosphorus is crucial for the military, used in incendiary devices and the semiconductors needed for radar systems. Glyphosate is the primary ingredient in herbicides like Roundup, which farmers use to protect their fields from weeds.
The landscape of chemical production has shifted in recent years. Germany-based Bayer AG acquired Roundup maker Monsanto in 2018, yet many U.S. agricultural operations still depend heavily on imports. This executive order seeks to reduce that dependence.
This is not the first time the President has used this wartime law. Last year, Trump signed similar orders to boost domestic mineral production, the maritime industry, and nuclear fuel management.
