STRENGTHENING NATIONAL SECURITY THROUGH THE MAINTENANCE OF CRITICAL SUPPLY CHAINS:
In a decisive move, President Donald J. Trump has enacted an Executive Order activating the Defense Production Act to safeguard the domestic production of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides—two indispensable components that underpin military readiness and agricultural resilience in the United States.
- The Executive Order asserts that any disruption in the supply of these crucial materials could expose both our defense industrial base and food supply to threats from foreign adversaries.
- It grants the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to enforce contracts or orders relevant to these materials to bolster national defense and to assess the necessary allocation of resources to maintain a steady supply. This task is to be carried out in collaboration with the Secretary of War.
- The Secretary of Agriculture is also directed to issue any necessary regulations to implement this order effectively.
ADDRESSING CHALLENGES TO AMERICA’S DEFENSE AND FOOD SECURITY:
President Trump’s initiative aims to ensure the domestic availability of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides, the absence of which could severely disrupt essential supply chains.
- Elemental phosphorus plays a vital role in defense supply chains, serving as a key ingredient in smoke and illumination devices, semiconductors for radar and sensors, solar cells, optoelectronics, and modern lithium-ion batteries utilized in weapon systems.
- Moreover, it is a fundamental precursor for glyphosate-based herbicides, which are the primary crop-protection agents in U.S. agriculture. These herbicides facilitate efficient food production and livestock feed, thereby securing food supply chains and ensuring healthy, affordable food remains accessible to American families.
- With only one domestic producer of these critical materials and demand outstripping current output, the potential for reduced or halted production poses a significant risk to national security, including food security.
- While the Administration continues to champion research and investment in next-generation crop protection technologies, maintaining a reliable supply of existing vital inputs is crucial for safeguarding both food security and national defense.
PROMOTING AMERICA FIRST INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH:
President Trump has consistently championed policies aimed at securing domestic supply chains, enhancing national defense, and supporting American agriculture and families.
- In March 2025, he signed an Executive Order empowering the Defense Production Act to bolster domestic mineral production capacity.
- In April 2025, another Executive Order was enacted to revitalize America’s maritime industry, reinforcing the nation’s economic and national security capabilities.
- In May 2025, President Trump utilized the Defense Production Act to improve domestic management of spent nuclear fuel, part of a broader initiative to expedite and promote nuclear energy production and operations.
- President Trump has frequently employed Section 232 tariffs to guard against national security threats and to enhance manufacturing sectors essential for our national and economic security.
- Additionally, he has secured billions in private-sector and foreign investments aimed at expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities and fortifying America’s industrial base.
