Trump’s MAHA commission avoids new pesticide regulations - Reuters

Published 15/08/2025, 19:16
© Reuters.

Investing.com -- President Donald Trump’s "Make America Healthy Again" commission will not recommend new restrictions on farm pesticide use in its upcoming report on children’s health, according to a draft document obtained by Reuters.

The draft report focuses instead on promoting healthier diets and examining vaccines and prescription drugs, while avoiding changes to how the U.S. regulates agricultural chemicals.

This approach appears to balance demands from commission chair Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who leads the Department of Health and Human Services, with concerns from farmers and ranchers who form a key part of Trump’s political base.

A previous MAHA commission report from May had linked pesticides, processed food, and over-prescription of medications to rising rates of childhood health problems including obesity and diabetes.

The agricultural sector responded in June when more than 250 groups representing farmers, ranchers, and agrochemical companies asked the Trump administration to include their input in future commission activities. The White House subsequently held meetings with food and farm groups this summer.

According to the draft, the Environmental Protection Agency will work to better inform the public about its pesticide review process and will partner with the Department of Agriculture to promote precision application techniques that can reduce overall pesticide use.

The EPA may also consider exempting certain farms and meat processing operations from some pollution laws, the document indicates.

The report maintains the administration’s existing focus on investigating vaccine injuries and the prescription of antidepressants through the Department of Health and Human Services.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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