Nov 25, 2024

Trump nominates policy aide for Secretary of Agriculture

A former White House aide lawyer with agriculture ties under President-elect Donald Trump has been tapped to head the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Brooke Rollin was domestic policy chief during Trump’s first term, and worked on projects including agricultural policy. After leaving the White House, Rollins became president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration, according to the Associated Press.

A north-central Texas native, Rollins was domestic policy chief during Trump’s first term, and worked on projects including agricultural policy. After leaving the White House, Rollins became president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration, according to the Associated Press.

Rollins, 52, who is from Glen Rose, Texas, graduated from Texas A&M University with an undergraduate degree in agricultural development before completing law school at the University of Texas.

Rollins — who enjoys a strong relationship with Trump — was among the people floated as a potential White House chief of staff, according to the AP. Her appointment was announced by Trump on Nov. 23.

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

Before serving as White House Domestic Policy Council director, Rollins was for 15 years president of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank, according to CNN.

Another name floated for the position was Sarah Frey, founder and CEO of Orchardville Illinois’ Frey Farms, which grows watermelons, pumpkins and other vegetables.

Frey, who was appointed to serve as an advisor to the chair of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, was endorsed for the position by the National Watermelon Association.

Founded by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862, the USDA is the primary agency overseeing the nation’s farming, forestry, ranching, food quality and nutrition. The agency maintains a dual purpose of promoting and regulating agriculture practice and products. It oversees multiple support programs for farmers; animal and plant health; and the safety of meat, poultry and eggs that anchor the nation’s food supply. USDA’s federal nutrition programs provide food to low-income people, pregnant women and young children. The department sets standards for school meals.