Donald Trump Names Brook Rollins as Agriculture Secretary Nominee
On Saturday, President Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Brook Rollins as Agriculture Secretary. This marks the final step in selecting leaders for key executive agencies from his trusted circle. The nomination will need to be confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate after January 20, 2025.
Rollins is set to replace Tom Vilsack, who served as Agriculture Secretary under President Biden. The Agriculture Department handles policies and support related to farming, forestry, and nutrition. Rollins has a background in agricultural development from Texas A&M University and previously served as Trump’s domestic policy advisor.
Brook Rollins: Background and Experience
At 52, Rollins is currently the President and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, which supports preparations for a potential second Trump administration. She has also worked as an associate for former Texas Governor Rick Perry and led the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Rollins practiced law in Dallas and clerked for a federal judge in Texas after earning her law degree from the University of Texas.
Rollins’ appointment marks the completion of Trump’s selection process for top executive branch positions following his recent electoral win. However, some cabinet-level posts, like U.S. Trade Representative and Small Business Administrator, remain vacant.
Trump’s Agricultural Policies and Historical Context
During his first term, Trump imposed tariffs, leading to retaliatory actions from countries like China, which affected U.S. agricultural exports like corn and soybeans. To support farmers, he provided financial aid to mitigate the impact of the trade war. While he hasn’t outlined specific agricultural policies for his second term, similar strategies can be expected. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was established by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862 and plays a key role in managing aid programs for farmers, ensuring food security, and overseeing federal nutrition initiatives for low-income individuals and children.
Future Dietary Guidelines and Nutrition Policies
Trump’s nominee for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy Jr., plans to remove ultra-processed foods from school lunch programs and restrict food stamp recipients from buying junk food. These changes, however, fall under USDA’s jurisdiction. HHS and USDA are collaborating on the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines, which will provide advice on healthy diets and set standards for federal nutrition programs. These guidelines are expected to be released by the end of next year.
Rollins shared earlier this year on a Christian talk show that she initially doubted Trump’s presidential bid, thinking it was just a strategy to boost TV ratings. However, she later found herself managing his domestic policy agenda. This nomination highlights Trump’s continued reliance on familiar allies as he prepares for another term. Senate confirmation will determine whether Rollins will shape U.S. agricultural policy in her new role.
