Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Ensures an Adequate Supply of Elemental Phosphorus and Glyphosate-Based Herbicides for National Security

President Donald J. Trump has signed an Executive Order invoking the Defense Production Act (DPA) to secure the domestic production of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides. The administration identifies these two materials as essential to national security, military readiness, and the stability of the American food supply.National Defense: Elemental phosphorus is a critical component for military hardware, including smoke and incendiary devices, semiconductors for radar and optoelectronics, and lithium-ion batteries used in weapon systems.Food Security: Phosphorus is a primary precursor for glyphosate, the nation’s most widely used herbicide. The administration argues that maintaining glyphosate production is vital for high agricultural yields, which in turn ensures that food remains affordable for American families.Delegated Authority: The President has delegated his DPA authority to the Secretary of Agriculture (acting in consultation with the Secretary of War) to prioritize federal contracts and allocate the materials and facilities necessary to ensure a stable supply.Countering Foreign Dependence: The order notes that there is currently only one domestic producer of these materials. By using the DPA, the administration seeks to prevent supply disruptions that could leave the U.S. vulnerable to "hostile foreign actors."Regulatory Implementation: The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to issue new orders and regulations to oversee and protect these critical supply chains.The move is framed as a continuation of the "America First" industrial agenda. The article highlights similar second-term actions, such as:Using the DPA to expand domestic mineral production and manage nuclear fuel.Implementing Section 232 tariffs to protect manufacturing sectors.Revitalizing the maritime industry to strengthen economic security.Conclusion:By mobilizing the Defense Production Act, the Trump Administration aims to "re-shore" the production of these chemicals to ensure that the U.S. military and agricultural sectors are not dependent on foreign supply chains for their most essential inputs.Strategic Importance of the MaterialsKey Provisions of the OrderBroader Policy Context