White House Backs Bayer in Push for SCOTUS Roundup Review

Federal lawyers submitted a brief this week backing Bayer’s argument that federal laws governing herbicides like Roundup should prevent lawsuits over the popular chemical.

WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — The White House is taking a stand with the agriculture chemical giant Bayer. Federal officials are calling on the Supreme Court to take up the company’s appeal over Roundup.

Trump Administration lawyers submitted a brief this week backing Bayer’s argument that federal laws regulating herbicides like Roundup should prevent lawsuits over the popular chemical.

Currently, U.S. officials consider Roundup and its main ingredient, glyphosate, to be safe. However, some U.S. states have filed lawsuits claiming a “failure to warn” that Roundup causes cancer.

“The support of the U.S. Government is an important step and good news for U.S. farmers, who need regulatory clarity. The stakes could not be higher as the misapplication of federal law jeopardizes the availability of innovative tools for farmers and investments in the broader U.S. economy,” said CEO Bill Anderson.

Since Bayer acquired Monsanto in 2018, the company has paid around $10 billion in claims. The company’s stock jumped nearly 15% after the announcement on Tuesday, according to MarketWatch.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

A SCOTUS ruling on Trump’s tariffs could have long-term implications on the authority of future administrations to control U.S. trade policy, according to RFD-TV legal expert Roger McEowen.
The Sheinbaum–Rollins meeting signals progress, but the focus remains on fully containing screwworm before cross-border movement resumes.
Livestock profits are propping up overall sentiment, but crop producers remain cautious amid tight margins and uncertain policy signals.
Farmers for Free Trade Executive Director Brian Kuehl shares more about the tour to gather farmers’ insights on the economic challenges they face in the ag economy.
Recent U.S.–China trade developments provided a small lift for soy markets, though most traders are waiting for concrete purchase data before making major moves.
Wheat futures briefly hit a three-month high before retreating as the markets wait for word on whether the deal will actually happen.