President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order this week mobilizing the Defense Production Act (DPA) to shore up the domestic production of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides. The move marks a significant expansion of federal authority over the private sector, aimed at insulating both the American military and the nation’s agricultural output from foreign interference.
By invoking the DPA, the administration is treating these chemicals as essential components of national security. The order delegates specific presidential authorities to the Secretary of Agriculture, who will now have the power to prioritize government contracts and allocate materials and facilities to ensure a steady supply.
This process will be carried out in close consultation with the Secretary of War to align agricultural needs with military readiness.
The decision stems from a vulnerability in the current supply chain. Currently, only one domestic producer handles the manufacturing of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides in the United States. White House officials noted that current domestic output does not meet the country’s total demand, creating a reliance on imports that could be disrupted by hostile foreign actors.
The two materials targeted by the order serve dual roles. Elemental phosphorus is a foundational element for the Department of Defense, used in everything from smoke and incendiary devices to the semiconductors found in radar and solar cells. It is also a critical component in lithium-ion batteries used for modern weapon systems.
On the civilian side, phosphorus is a precursor for glyphosate, the most common herbicide used by American farmers to manage crops and livestock feed.
This is not the first time the DPA has been utilized in the current term. This latest order follows a series of similar actions taken earlier in 2025, including efforts to expand domestic mineral production in March and the revitalization of the maritime industry in April.
In May, the administration also used the DPA to address the management of spent nuclear fuel as part of a broader push for nuclear energy independence.
While the administration stated it remains committed to researching next-generation crop protection technologies, the current focus is on stabilizing the existing industrial base.
By securing these specific chemical pipelines, the White House aims to prevent potential shortages that could lead to increased food prices for American families or gaps in the military’s technological hardware. The Secretary of Agriculture is expected to begin issuing new regulations and implementation orders effective immediately.
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