The following information has been provided by the Trump-Vance transition team about the intended nominee for Secretary of Agriculture at the USDA, Brooke Rollins. Anna Kelly, Trump- Vance Transition spokesperson says of Rollins:
“Brooke Rollins is the ideal nominee to lead President Trump’s U.S. Department of Agriculture,
with her deep roots in agricultural communities, exceptional leadership at the highest level of
policy making and her strong working relationship with President Trump. After several dozen
meetings with a bipartisan group of Congressional Members, Rollins is energized and prepared
for her nomination hearing where she will put forth a vision of protecting and defending
American farmers and ranchers.”
- Rollins currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer at AFPI and
America First Works, which she founded in 2021. - Prior to that, Rollins served in several roles in President Trump’s White House, including
Director of the Domestic Policy Council and Assistant to the President for Strategic
Initiatives and Director of the Office of American Innovation. - Policy Director for Texas Governor Rick Perry where she managed the Governor’s
agriculture and natural resources policy agenda. - Rollins has worked with President-Elect Trump since his 2016 campaign, serving as an
Economic Policy Advisor. She also worked as President and Chief Executive Officer at
Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) for 15 years where she championed America First
policies. - Juris Doctorate with honors from UT-Austin, Bachelor’s of Science in Agriculture
Development with honors from Texas A&M. - Brooke’s Ag History
- At America First Policy Institute (AFPI), Rollins led efforts to protect US farmland from
Chinese control (or ownership from other foreign entities); improve American food
security and independence; and support measures that defend US ag trade interests
and counteract foreign trade imbalances. - At the White House, she helped lead the rolling back of EPA rules like Waters of the US
(WOTUS) that targeted farmers and ranchers. - At Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), conducted extensive engagement with Texas
small towns, rural communities, and agricultural communities. - Championed American farmer’s interests with the Future Farmers of America and 4H.
- Received her Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Development at Texas A&M.
- Brought up in the small, agricultural community of Glen Rose, Texas, and comes from
several generations of American farmers. - What They’re Saying
Senators - Senator John Boozman, Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition,
and Forestry: “Congratulations to Brooke Rollins on her nomination to serve as
Secretary of USDA. I look forward to working with her to ensure that modern agriculture
remains competitive and allows farm families to thrive so they can continue to supply
an affordable and abundant supply of food and fiber.” - Senator John Hoeven: “Congratulations to Brooke Rollins on her nomination to be the
next Sec. of Agriculture. As a member of the Senate Agriculture & Ag Approps
Committees, I look forward to her confirmation hearing & working w/the Trump
administration to bolster our producers & rural communities.” - Senator Joni Ernst: “Congratulations @BrookeLRollins! I look forward to working
alongside her and President Trump to fight for Iowa farmers and stand up for rural
America.” - Senator Roger Marshall: “A big congratulations to @BrookeLRollins. We have a lot of
work to do to right the wrongs the Biden-Harris Administration failures have caused
American Agriculture. I look forward to hitting the ground running to pass a Farmers
First Farm Bill, expand our trade markets, and always ensure we give our Kansas
farmers and ranchers, who help feed the world, a seat at the table at the highest levels
of government. On day one we will be ready to fight for Rural America!” - Senator Tommy Tuberville: “.@BrookeLRollins is a conservative warrior and will be a
great Ag Secretary. I look forward to working with her to pass a Farm Bill that will put our
farmers, foresters, and producers FIRST.” - Senator Chuck Grassley:
o (1) “Congratulations to Brooke Rollins nominated 2b Pres Trump Scty of Ag I look
fwd to working w her to help family farmers & strengthen rural America Brooke
has a lot of policy experience &I’m eager to learn more abt her ag policy
positions I enjoyed working w her on First Step Act”
o (2) “Good mtg w Pres Trump’s Ag Scty nominee Brooke Rollins to talk abt family
farmers’ priorities incl market access + Prop 12 + whistleblower protection &
responding to Congress + Iowa/Midwest representation in USDA etc” - Senator Ted Cruz: “Great to reconnect with @BrookeLRollins, President Trump’s
nominee to be the Secretary of Agriculture, and a longtime friend. I look forward to
working with her in her new role to fight for Texas farmers and ranchers.” - Senator Katie Britt: “Our next Agriculture Secretary @BrookeLRollins understands that
food security is national security. She is a champion for putting Americans first and will
fight for the hardworking men and women who feed and clothe our country. Together,
we will work to strengthen our family farms for generations to come.” - Senator John Barrasso: “Pres. Trump’s @USDA secretary nominee @BrookeLRollins is
ready to fight for America’s farmers and ranchers. We discussed supporting livestock
ranchers and smart forest management. Brooke understands how integral our
agricultural communities are to our food supply and economy.” - House Members
- Speaker Mike Johnson: “Thumbs up to my dear friend @BrookeLRollins who is a
principled leader of President Trump’s America First agenda. As Secretary of
Agriculture, she will fight for our nation’s hardworking farmers and producers and help
make America great again! Congratulations to Brooke!” - Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson: “Congratulations to @BrookeLRollins on the
nomination to lead USDA. I look forward to working with you and @realDonaldTrump to
make agriculture great again!” - Congresswoman Elise Stefanik: “Congratulations to the incredible @BrookeLRollins
on your nomination to be President @realDonaldTrump’s next Secretary of Agriculture!
President Trump’s America First agenda will deliver record results for America’s
hardworking farmers, growers and producers!” - Governors & Lt. Governors
- TX Governor Greg Abbott: “Congratulations to Brooke Rollins. An outstanding choice
by President Trump.” - IA Governor Kim Reynolds: “Looking forward to working with @BrookeLRollins on
behalf of Iowa’s farmers and ranchers!” - ID Governor Brad Little: “With 60% of Idaho administered by the Interior and U.S.
Forest Service, Trump designated Secretaries @DougBurgum & @BrookeLRollins, who
understand our Western challenges, bodes well for Idaho!” - TN Governor Bill Lee: “From one Hereford cattle farmer to another — congrats to our
next Ag Secretary, @BrookeLRollins!” - MS Governor Phil Bryant (former): “I have been honored to work with @BrookeLRollins
for the last four years at @A1Policy and when she was in the White House before
creating this amazing organization. I can’t think of anyone who has a more natural
ability to lead. This Texas strong woman will Make Agriculture Great Again.
Congratulations my friend.” - AK Governor Mike Dunleavy: “Congrats, @BrookeLRollins! I look forward to working
with you on Alaska’s critical agriculture issues. Our great state has vast resources,
forests, and critical minerals that can help strengthen America. Here’s to a swift
confirmation so we can get to work!” - NE Governor Jim Pillen: “I was honored to meet today with incoming Secretary of
Agriculture @BrookeLRollins and discuss our shared priorities for agricultural
producers, strengthening American energy independence, and feeding a growing world.
Secretary Rollins is a dynamic and experienced leader and I look forward to partnering
with her and President @realDonaldTrump to put America’s farmers, ranchers, and
producers first.” - TX Lt. Governor Dan Patrick: “Congratulations to my longtime friend @BrookeLRollins.
A few weeks ago, I tweeted that President Trump would likely hand-pick her for a
powerful position. He did today. She was the acting director of the United States
Domestic Policy Council during his first term and now she joins his cabinet. Her degree
is in agriculture from Texas A&M. It’s great to see a former Texas FFA student overseeing
this incredibly important position in America’s food supply.” - Agriculture Industry Groups
- American Farm Bureau: “We congratulate Brooke Rollins on her nomination to be
Secretary of Agriculture. We’re pleased she has a good relationship with our state Farm
Bureau in Texas and hope to build on it if she’s confirmed by the Senate. We’re
encouraged by her statement that she’d ‘fight for America’s farmers and our nation’s
agricultural communities.’ Effective leadership at USDA is more important than ever as
farmers and ranchers face a struggling agricultural economy.” - National Cattlemen’s Beef Association: “From her time as a college student studying
agriculture development to her distinguished career in Texas and Washington, Brooke
Rollins has a history of fighting for Main Street and rural America. America’s cattle
producers need a Secretary of Agriculture who will protect family farms and ranches,
roll back crushing regulations, and stand up for rural values—and we look forward to
working with Secretary-Designate Rollins to make it happen.” - National Association of State Departments of Agriculture: “NASDA members look
forward to working with a leader who is committed to ensuring agriculture leads the way
toward a healthy and resilient world. As co-regulators with the federal government on
environmental, agricultural and food safety policies, NASDA will work with Brooke
Rollins to continue seeking innovative opportunities and solutions for our food, fiber
and fuel supply.” - National Corn Growers Association: “We congratulate Brooke Rollins on her
nomination to be the next Secretary of Agriculture. We look forward to working with Ms.
Rollins and the president-elect on issues of importance to production agriculture,
including the expansion of domestic and international markets for corn and improved
farm and tax policies.” - American Soybean Association: “We appreciate that Rollins holds a degree in
agriculture development and grew up on a farm and that she will bring that perspective,
along with her policy experience from the previous Trump administration, to the role.
The mission carried out by USDA is vital to the continued success both domestically
and abroad for U.S. soybean farmers. ASA welcomes the opportunity to share the
importance of soy in the U.S. economy and work with the department and this nominee
upon her confirmation on issues critical to farmers.” - National Farmers Union: “I congratulate Ms. Rollins on her nomination as Secretary of
Agriculture on behalf of National Farmers Union’s farmer and rancher members across
the country. I am hopeful her rural roots instilled in her the important role family farmers
and ranchers play in supporting our nation’s economy. If confirmed, Ms. Rollins will
begin her tenure at a time when family farmers and our communities face historic
challenges, including soaring input costs, difficult market conditions, extreme weather
events, and the ongoing need for the certainty of a five-year farm bill. We are eager to
collaborate on solutions that ensure fair markets, a robust agriculture economy, and
vibrant rural communities. Together, we can advance a stronger future for agriculture
and rural America.” - National Pork Producers Council: “Congratulations to Ms. Rollins on her nomination
as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. We look forward to collaborating with the next
Secretary to address the challenges impacting our industry. Pork producers continue to
rely on strong leadership to support agriculture and ensure the success of American
farmers.” - American Sugar Alliance: “America’s sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers and factory
workers applaud President-elect Donald Trump’s commitment to ensuring that
agriculture remains a vital cornerstone of our nation’s economy and food security.
Agriculture is facing historic challenges, and we look forward to working with Secretarydesignate Rollins to support our farmers, protect rural communities, and preserve the
most abundant and diverse food supply in the world.” - National Potato Council: “Congratulations to Brooke Rollins on her nomination and we
look forward to working with her to build a stronger, more resilient U.S. #potato industry
that protects our family farms and the 700k-plus jobs supported by the industry.” - National Milk Producers Federation: “Congratulations to @BrookeLRollins on her
nomination to become the next @USDA Secretary. #Dairy farmers are ready to hit the
ground running in 2025!
