PROMOTING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE BY ENSURING AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF ELEMENTAL PHOSPHORUS AND GLYPHOSATE-BASED HERBICIDES

This Executive Order, signed by President Donald J. Trump on February 18, 2026, invokes the Defense Production Act of 1950 to secure the domestic supply of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides. The administration identifies these materials as essential to both national defense and the stability of the American food system.Military Necessity: Elemental phosphorus is a critical component in munitions (incendiary/smoke devices), high-tech semiconductors (radar, sensors), and modern lithium-ion batteries.Agricultural and Food Security: Phosphorus is the primary precursor for glyphosate, the nation's most widely used herbicide. The order asserts that glyphosate is a "cornerstone" of U.S. agricultural productivity, with no direct chemical alternative. A shortage would lead to lower crop yields and higher food prices for families.Supply Chain Vulnerability: The U.S. has only one domestic producer of these materials and currently relies on importing over 6 million kilograms of phosphorus annually. The President determined that this reliance on foreign sources creates a strategic vulnerability to hostile actors.Delegation to USDA: The President delegated his authority under the Defense Production Act to the Secretary of Agriculture to ensure a continued and adequate supply.Prioritizing Contracts: The Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Secretary of War, is authorized to prioritize federal contracts and allocate materials and facilities to promote national defense over other competing orders.Corporate Viability Protections: While the Secretary is empowered to issue regulations and orders to producers, the order specifies that these actions must not jeopardize the corporate viability of any domestic producer.Mandatory Cooperation: Domestic producers are required by law to comply with the federal orders issued under this framework.Immunity: The order confers legal immunity (under Section 707 of the DPA) to individuals and companies for actions taken to comply with these federal directives.Conclusion:By designating phosphorus as a critical mineral and invoking the Defense Production Act, the Trump Administration aims to "re-shore" a vital industrial capability. The order seeks to prevent a national security crisis by ensuring that both the military and the American farmer have a guaranteed, domestically-controlled supply of these essential chemicals.Key Findings and National Security RisksPolicy Actions and Delegated AuthorityLegal Protections and Mandatory Compliance