President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for USDA Secretary is now a saga with all the twists and turns of a Trump dance.
As of now, both Brooke Rollins and Kelly Loeffler are reported as potential nominees for the USDA Secretary position. However, the Wall Street Journal’s report on Rollins (link) suggests a more definitive expectation of her appointment, while CNN and others maintain that Loeffler is still in contention. Until an official announcement is made by Trump, it remains unclear who will ultimately be chosen for this key role.
As for Brooke Rollins, she possesses a range of qualifications that make her a notable candidate for the top USDA position, including growing up on a farm.
Educational background. Rollins graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Development from Texas A&M University in 1994, where she also became the first female student body president.
She earned her law degree with honors from the University of Texas School of Law, further enhancing her understanding of legal frameworks relevant to agriculture and policy.
Professional experience: Leadership roles in policy organizations: Rollins is currently the president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), a think tank focused on promoting conservative policies. AFPI has advocated for curbing foreign ownership — particularly from China — of U.S. farmland, an issue that has bipartisan support in Congress. She previously served as the president and CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) from 2003 to 2018, where she expanded the organization significantly and positioned it as a leading state-based think tank.
Trump 1.0 experience: In her capacity as acting director of the United States Domestic Policy Council, Rollins was involved in shaping domestic policy initiatives. She also served as the assistant to the president for strategic initiatives and was influential in the passage of significant legislation, including criminal justice reform through the First Step Act.
Agricultural policy insight: Given her educational background and professional focus, Rollins has developed insights into agricultural policies, trade issues, and rural development, which are critical for the USDA’s mission.
Rollins has strong ties to key figures in the Trump administration, including Jared Kushner. Her relationships within this network may facilitate collaboration on agricultural policies and initiatives.
Dr. Bart Fischer of Texas A&M Univ. emails: “I don’t have anything to add on what you had already reported. Brooke is highly respected in Trump world, though, so I do think it shows the importance that he places on agriculture that he would pick someone like her to run USDA, if she is indeed the selection.”