Activists Urge Trump to Oppose House Bill Limiting Pesticide Regulations

On August 11, 2025, over 200 activists affiliated with the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement sent a letter to President Donald Trump, urging him to oppose specific provisions in the U.S. House environmental appropriations bill. These provisions aim to limit pesticide regulations and prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing a draft risk assessment on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals." The activists also expressed opposition to liability shields for pesticide companies, warning that supporting such measures could jeopardize Republican control of the House in the upcoming midterm elections. The letter was signed by leaders from organizations including Moms Across America, MAHA Action, and Children's Health, founded by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The MAHA movement, spearheaded by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., focuses on addressing the chronic disease epidemic in the United States by advocating for stricter regulations on chemicals and pesticides, promoting organic and regenerative agriculture, and challenging corporate influences in the medical and food industries. Moms Across America is a grassroots organization focused on raising awareness about the potential health risks associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and pesticides. MAHA Action is an advocacy group supporting the broader MAHA movement's objectives. Children's Health Defense, founded by Kennedy, campaigns against various public health programs, such as vaccination and fluoridation of drinking water.

In their letter, the activists urged President Trump to oppose provisions in the House environmental appropriations bill that would limit pesticide regulations, prevent the EPA from implementing a draft risk assessment on PFAS, and provide liability shields for pesticide companies. The activists warned that supporting such measures could jeopardize Republican control of the House in the upcoming midterm elections.

This development underscores the ongoing tension between health-focused activists and the Trump administration, which has been working to address concerns from agricultural interests regarding potential restrictions on agrochemicals. The debate centers on health concerns linked to pesticides and legal shields being pursued by companies like Bayer, which is fighting lawsuits over its Roundup weed killer.

PFAS, or "forever chemicals," are a group of synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks, including cancer and hormone disruption. The EPA has been working on a draft risk assessment to evaluate the dangers posed by PFAS. Limiting the EPA's ability to implement this assessment could delay regulatory actions aimed at protecting public health.

Pesticide regulations are designed to ensure that the use of chemicals in agriculture does not pose undue risks to human health or the environment. Provisions that limit these regulations or provide liability shields to pesticide companies could reduce accountability and potentially increase exposure to harmful substances.

The Trump administration has faced criticism for its approach to environmental and public health regulations, with opponents arguing that it prioritizes industry interests over public safety. The administration's support for liability shields for pesticide companies aligns with its broader deregulatory agenda. However, this stance has drawn opposition from health advocates and some members of the public concerned about the potential health impacts of reduced regulations.

The upcoming midterm elections add a political dimension to this issue. Activists' warnings about the potential loss of Republican control of the House suggest that public health concerns could influence voter behavior, particularly among constituencies sensitive to environmental and health issues.

This is not the first time that health advocates have clashed with the administration over pesticide regulations. In May 2025, the MAHA Commission released a report highlighting the health risks associated with pesticide use, which drew criticism from the agricultural industry. The report cited pesticides as possible health risks, leading to tensions between health advocates and agricultural interests.

The letter from MAHA activists highlights the complex interplay between public health advocacy, environmental regulation, and political strategy as the nation approaches the midterm elections.