Activists Urge Trump to Oppose Limits on Pesticide Regulation Ahead of Midterms

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 the regulation of pesticides and "forever chemicals" (PFAS) and to provide liability protections for pesticide companies. The activists, including groups like Moms Across America, MAHA Action, and Children's Health (founded by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.), warned that supporting such measures could jeopardize Republican control of the House in the upcoming midterm elections. The letter highlights growing tensions between pro-health advocates and the Trump administration, which has been working to address concerns from agricultural interests regarding agrochemical regulations.

The MAHA movement, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., focuses on public health issues, emphasizing the reduction of artificial additives in food and beverages and reassessing pediatric health policies, including vaccine practices. The movement gained prominence following Kennedy's endorsement of Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

The U.S. House environmental appropriations bill includes provisions that would limit the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) authority to regulate pesticides and PFAS chemicals. Specifically, Section 453 of the bill would prevent the EPA from updating pesticide labels or taking regulatory action that conflicts with its existing human health assessments, potentially leaving outdated labels in place despite new scientific evidence. This provision effectively shields pesticide manufacturers from lawsuits alleging harm caused by their products.

Additionally, the bill includes language that would prohibit the EPA from finalizing, implementing, administering, or enforcing its draft risk assessment on PFAS chemicals, commonly referred to as "forever chemicals." These substances are known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks.

The activists' letter to President Trump expresses concern that supporting these provisions could alienate health-conscious voters and jeopardize Republican control of the House in the upcoming midterm elections. They argue that providing liability protections for pesticide companies and limiting regulatory oversight undermines public health and environmental safety.

This development underscores the growing tension between pro-health advocates and the Trump administration, which has been working to address concerns from agricultural interests regarding agrochemical regulations. The administration's efforts to balance these competing interests highlight the complex interplay between public health advocacy and agricultural industry priorities.

In May 2025, the White House MAHA Commission, led by Secretary Kennedy, released a report identifying processed food, chemicals, stress, and overprescription of medications and vaccines as potential factors behind chronic illness in American children. The report also alleged "corporate capture" of research and policymaking by food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries.

The current provisions in the environmental appropriations bill reflect ongoing legislative efforts to limit regulatory oversight of pesticides and PFAS chemicals. Similar provisions have been introduced in previous appropriations bills, often sparking debate between public health advocates and industry stakeholders. The inclusion of such provisions in the current bill indicates a continued push by certain lawmakers and industry groups to reduce regulatory burdens on pesticide manufacturers.

The MAHA activists' appeal to President Trump underscores the complex interplay between health advocacy, industry interests, and political considerations in environmental policy. As the administration navigates these competing priorities, the outcome could have significant implications for public health, environmental safety, and the political landscape ahead of the midterm elections.