Brooke Rollins confirmed as new U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

After being selected in late November to serve as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under President Trump’s administration, Brooke Rollins has been confirmed as the department head by the U.S. Senate. Rollins was confirmed by a Senate vote of 72-28.

Rollins is a conservative legal activist and public policy analyst who most recently served as president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a Trump-aligned think tank that developed policy and cultivated a network of personnel for the second Trump administration.

During Trump’s first term, Rollins served as acting director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, overseeing a portfolio that included agriculture policy. She also served as president of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank.

“The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture congratulates the Honorable Brooke Rollins on her confirmation to lead USDA as the 33rd U.S. agriculture secretary,” said NASDA CEO Ted McKinney in a news release. “Rollin’s policy crafting experience and passion for opportunities for agriculture will contribute tangible impacts for American farmers and ranchers and people around the globe who enjoy U.S. food products.”

In the release, McKinney also noted that NASDA is enthusiastic to work Rollins on priorities like increasing economic opportunities for farmers, ranchers and food producers; advancing a new farm bill; improving Americans’ access to nutrient-dense foods; and ensuring American agriculture can continue to provide the most secure, affordable and nutritious food supply in the world. 

In January,  more than 300 organizations joined the NASDA in signing a letter of support for Rollins. The letter stated that Rollins’ “experience as an executive, building and running two large public policy organizations, has prepared her to provide effective executive leadership for USDA’s important, wide-ranging activities and large workforce.”