Trump taps Brooke Rollins to lead USDA, aims to boost farming

So far, Donald Trump's nominations have sparked significant controversy. On Saturday, the president-elect introduced another close colleague.

The role of head of the Department of Agriculture is to be taken by 52-year-old Brooke Rollins, president of the America First Policy Institute. If the Republican-controlled Senate approves this nomination, Rollins will lead the department employing 100,000 people nationwide.

“As our next Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke will spearhead the effort to protect American Farmers, who are truly the backbone of our Country” Trump noted.

“Brooke’s commitment to support the American Farmer, defense of American Food Self-Sufficiency, and the restoration of Agriculture-dependent American Small Towns is second to none,” he assessed.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) has an office in every county, and in 2024 it has a budget of $437.2 billion. Its employees are involved in agricultural and food programs, forestry, food safety, rural development, and farm expansion loans.

Originally from Texas, Rollins is a longtime collaborator of Donald Trump. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor's degree in science and agricultural development, and then completed her law degree.

During Trump's first term, Rollins led the Domestic Policy Council at the White House. Currently, the 52-year-old is the head of the America First Policy Institute—a conservative think tank that supported Trump's bid for a second term as U.S. President.

If the nomination is approved, Rollins will become the second woman to hold the position of USDA head. The first was Ann Veneman, who held this position under President George W. Bush. Joe Biden appointed Tom Vilsack to the position of USDA head.