A look at tasks ahead for USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and a list of key USDA personnel:
Link to opening remarks Feb. 14 by Rollins at USDA headquarters.
| Tasks for USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins | ||
| Task | Status | Comments |
| Review USDA grants and other funding that remain frozen | Pending. Rollins on Feb. 14 said farmer payments impacted by Donald Trump’s spending freeze will be honored. “I am just getting my arms around that,” Rollins told reporters at the White House. “If there are farmers that are indeed waiting for payments that have been committed to them, those will come through.” | Awaiting review and decision-making. In remarks Feb. 14, Rollins said, “We are inviting the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to USDA. DOGE is already here, of course — they are working nearly everywhere — but we are welcoming its efforts because we know that its work makes us better, stronger, faster, and more efficient. I will expect full access and transparency to DOGE in the days and weeks to come from everyone at this Department, and I will personally set that example as they proceed.” |
| Getting ag disaster ($21 billion) and economic aid ($10 billion) payments made to eligible producers | In progress | Awaiting software programs/IT action; statutory deadline of March 21 |
| Working with NEC Director Kevin Hassett and others on the bird flu situation | Pending | Rollins had a meeting Feb. 13 with HPAI/bird flu experts |
| Monitoring impact of Trump tariffs on U.S. ag sector and any need for a farmer aid program | Pending | Monitoring and assessment in early stages; President Trump has requested several reports on reciprocal tariffs by April 1 |
| Advising congressional members on new farm bill | Pending | Discussions with congressional members are planned and some took place during Rollins’ preconfirmation meetings with lawmakers |
| Working with Treasury/IRS, EPA and Energy Dept. personnel on finalizing information regarding the 45Z program | In Progress | Collaboration with relevant departments is ongoing by USDA staffers, but Rollins will review and take part in coming meetings |
| Informing President Trump and others about the impact on farm country from mass deportations relative to border security | Pending | Impact analysis is pending; Rollins said during confirmation hearing that she supports President Trump’s deportation policy but will advise about the need for farm labor |
| Checking on and working with other agencies and departments regarding food aid | Pending | Interagency co-ordination is in planning phase |
| Working with her new staff and other key USDA personnel as they officially come into USDA | In Progress | Some new staff on board and integration is underway |
| Getting ready for fiscal year 2026 budget matters for USDA | Pending | Preparations for budget discussions are scheduled |
| Working with EPA and Dept. of Energy on the 2026 RFS RVOs | Pending | Initial discussions with EPA and Dept. of Energy are not yet scheduled |
| Dealing with a smaller USDA workforce via buyouts and other actions to reduce the number of government workers | Pending | Buyout plans and workforce reduction strategies and their impacts are under consideration |
| Addressing issues raised by the GAO relative to operation of the SNAP/food stamps program and other operational aspects of the program should they see any major changes under budget reconciliation | Pending | GAO issues are being reviewed for potential action |
USDA Secretary and Deputy Secretary
Brooke Rollins: Confirmed as USDA Secretary
Stephen Vaden: Nominated for Deputy USDA Secretary
Undersecretary Nominees
Richard Fordyce: Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation
Dudley Hoskins: Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs
Luke Lindberg: Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs
Michael Boren: Undersecretary for Natural Resources and Environment
Scott Hutchins: Undersecretary for Research, Education and Economics
Senior Staff Appointments
Kailee Tkacz Buller: Chief of Staff at USDA
Preston Parry: Deputy Chief of Staff
Jennifer Tiller: Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary and Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services
Dominic Restuccia: White House Liaison for USDA
Ralph Linden: Principal Deputy General Counsel
Audra Weeks: Deputy Director of Communications
Natural Resources and Environment Appointments
Kristin Sleeper: Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment
Tom Schultz: Chief of Staff for Natural Resources and Environment
Other Notable Appointments
Brooke Appleton: Deputy Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation
Tyler Clarkson: USDA General Counsel