President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Brooke Rollins, the president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, as the head of the Department of Agriculture (USDA). This significant role encompasses one of the largest federal agencies in the U.S. Rollins brings extensive experience in conservative political circles, having previously served as the director of the Domestic Policy Council during Trump’s first term and as assistant to the president for intergovernmental and technology initiatives.
A Texas native, Rollins holds a degree in agricultural development from Texas A&M University and later earned her law degree from the University of Texas School of Law. With her new position, she will manage nearly 100,000 employees and oversee critical programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which help millions of Americans every month, including 40% of infants in the U.S.
Rollins’ appointment comes at a pivotal time as the USDA might play a crucial role in Trump’s plans to reduce what he considers the “deep state” within federal bureaucracy. Additionally, her leadership could be essential in managing the aftermath of trade policies that have impacted farmers, particularly during the trade tensions with China and the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the potential for a new farm bill, which is a multi-billion dollar piece of legislation that supports farmers and rural communities, Rollins will be positioned to influence vital agricultural policies. The last farm bill was signed in 2018 under Trump’s administration, and the new bill could provide essential safety nets for farmers as well as nutrition assistance programs, underscoring the importance of the role she will undertake.
In summary, Brooke Rollins’ appointment signifies not only a continuation of Trump’s policies but also an opportunity to directly influence agricultural and nutritional support for millions of Americans. Her background and previous government experience may offer a hopeful perspective for effective rural and agricultural policy development in the coming years.