After a whirlwind of speculation surrounding President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Agriculture, the decision is now official: Brooke Rollins, a longtime Trump advisor and policy expert, has been named to lead the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The announcement defies earlier reports suggesting former Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler was the likely nominee.
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On Saturday afternoon, the Wall Street Journal reported that Rollins had emerged as the leading candidate. Trump confirmed the news shortly afterward, hailing Rollins as a champion of American farmers and a key architect of his administration’s policies.
“It is my great honor to nominate Brooke L. Rollins, from the great state of Texas, to serve as the 33rd United States Secretary of Agriculture,” Trump said in his announcement.
🚨BREAKING: Brooke L. Rollins nominated to be Secretary of Agriculture. Rollins edged out Kelly Loeffler at the last minute. What a twist! pic.twitter.com/0qiu6JGR0m
— Autism Capital 🧩 (@AutismCapital) November 23, 2024
Brooke Rollins is no stranger to Trump’s America First agenda. A former member of Trump’s 2016 Economic Advisory Council, she held several pivotal roles during his first term, including Director of the Domestic Policy Council, Director of the Office of American Innovation, and Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives.
Rollins spent the past four years as the Founder and CEO of the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) and America First Works (AFW), two organizations dedicated to advancing the policies of Trump’s agenda.
Trump praised her extensive background, both in agriculture and policy development, as uniquely suited for the USDA role.
“Brooke’s commitment to supporting the American farmer, defending American food self-sufficiency, and restoring agriculture-dependent American small towns is second to none,” Trump said.
Rollins grew up in Glen Rose, Texas, a small farming community, and has deep ties to agriculture. A proud graduate of Texas A&M University, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Development before obtaining a law degree with honors. Rollins’ family has farming roots, and her active involvement in organizations like Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H shaped her early understanding of agricultural challenges.
“From guiding her four kids in their show cattle careers to her generational family farming background, Brooke has the practitioner’s experience along with deep policy credentials,” Trump added.
Rollins’ nomination signals a continuation of Trump’s America First policies, particularly when it comes to food security, rural revitalization, and farmer support. Trump emphasized that Rollins would focus on protecting American farmers, whom he called “the backbone of our country.”
Her priorities as Secretary of Agriculture are expected to include:
- Bolstering Food Self-Sufficiency: Rollins will likely champion policies aimed at reducing reliance on foreign food imports and strengthening the U.S. agricultural supply chain.
- Supporting Rural Communities: With a deep understanding of small-town America, Rollins is expected to prioritize economic revitalization in farming-dependent regions.
- Protecting Farmers from Global Market Disruptions: Rollins will likely continue Trump’s efforts to shield American farmers from unfair trade practices and global competition.
Her policy experience during Trump’s first term positions her to balance the complexities of federal agricultural programs with the practical needs of farmers.
The selection of Rollins came as a twist in what had been a heavily speculated decision. For days, media reports had tipped Kelly Loeffler, the former Georgia senator and a staunch Trump ally, as the frontrunner for the USDA position. Loeffler, known for her strong ties to conservative farming communities, seemed a natural fit.
However, Rollins emerged as the preferred choice late last week, with her history of advancing Trump’s domestic policies giving her an edge.
The shift highlights Trump’s focus on loyalty and alignment with his vision for the future of agriculture.
Rollins’ appointment marks a potentially transformative period for the USDA. Trump’s emphasis on food security and rural development aligns with the challenges facing American farmers today, including global competition, climate impacts, and supply chain vulnerabilities.
Rollins is expected to advocate for policies that prioritize U.S. agricultural independence, while also addressing issues like rural broadband access, modernizing farming infrastructure, and providing support for small farmers.
Her leadership comes at a critical time, as the agriculture industry navigates post-pandemic recovery and ongoing trade tensions. With her combination of policy expertise and hands-on agricultural experience, Rollins is poised to take on these challenges.
The announcement was met with widespread congratulations from Trump allies and agriculture groups. Trump himself praised Rollins’ unwavering dedication to his administration’s goals and expressed confidence in her ability to lead the USDA.
“Congratulations Brooke!” Trump said. “As our next Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke will spearhead the effort to protect American farmers, who are truly the backbone of our country.”
Rollins’ nomination will need Senate confirmation, but given her strong credentials and ties to Trump’s base, she is expected to face little resistance. Once confirmed, Rollins will step into one of the most important roles in Trump’s second administration, shaping the future of American agriculture and rural development.
With her deep roots in farming and a proven track record in policy leadership, Rollins is set to bring a bold new vision to the USDA, reinforcing Trump’s commitment to putting American farmers first.