White House Staff Allegedly Blocked Pesticide Reform Over National Security Claims

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A former adviser to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. alleged that White House staff obstructed efforts to investigate glyphosate-based herbicides, claiming it was a national security issue, during an appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast.

Staff Allegedly Undermined Pesticide Reform

Calley Means, who previously worked with Kennedy, told Rogan that he was summoned to a meeting where Assistant to the President for Policy Walker Barrett presented an executive order (EO) labeling glyphosate as a national security concern. The EO, issued on Feb. 18, tasked the Secretary of Agriculture with ensuring a continued supply of glyphosate-based herbicides, which the administration claimed were critical to the nation’s agricultural advantage.

Again not true. Called Calley last night. He didn’t answer or return my call. He messaged me this morning. After a few messages and telling him I’d consider suing him if he defamed me, I told him was done responding to him privately. And haven’t since. Calley, your poor me act is tiring and embarrassing for a grown man who launched a smear campaign. I’ve been countering your factual inaccuracy all day. You thought I was gonna lay down and take it? I do this for a living. I’ve been called worse things by better people than you. And I haven’t even gotten started.

@JamesBlairUSA on X

Means said Barrett told him the EO was final and not up for discussion, and that former Chief of Staff Susie Wiles later confirmed the directive. He also alleged that pharmaceutical lobbies pushed back against efforts to investigate the pesticide, which they claimed could impact their interests.

Supreme Court Ruling and Alleged Backdoor Influence

Means further claimed that Heidi Overton, who later became Trump’s nominee for FDA commissioner, collaborated with the Department of Justice to push the Supreme Court to take a case that would grant Bayer Global legal immunity from pesticide lawsuits. The Supreme Court ruled in June that Bayer had immunity against thousands of lawsuits over glyphosate’s potential cancer risks, a decision Means said was done without consulting Kennedy.

Means also alleged that Trump, upon learning of the Supreme Court’s ruling, expressed frustration, calling it a “terrible idea” and asking how it had happened under his watch. He noted that he had a meeting with Trump, Kennedy, and a regenerative farmer where the issue was raised.

Resignation and White House Response

Means, who reportedly brokered the alliance between Trump and Kennedy ahead of the 2024 presidential election, resigned from the White House on Oct. 22. White House Spokeswoman Allison Schuster said the administration had made progress on the MAHA Agenda, including overhauling dietary guidelines and investing in regenerative farming.

A White House official also praised Susie Wiles for her role in the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. The same day Means appeared on the podcast, Trump announced that Wiles would be replaced by Stephen Miller, who would become the new Chief of Staff, effective Nov. 9.

Source: Daily Caller