President-elect Donald Trump announced Brooke Rollins as his choice for Secretary of Agriculture on Saturday. Trump praised her commitment to support American farmers, promote food self-sufficiency, and help restore small towns dependent on agriculture.
CNN reported that Trump was expected to select Rollins for this position. She currently serves as the CEO of the America First Policy Institute, which has close ties to Trump’s transition team, and she has publicly supported him.
After Trump won the election, Rollins congratulated X, saying, “We love you, Mr. President, and we are so proud to continue the battle for an America built around your America First vision.” Her name had also been considered for White House chief of staff, but she stepped back from that role to avoid conflict with Susie Wiles, who was ultimately chosen.
Rollins had communicated to the transition team her interest in the Agriculture secretary role. Trump and Rollins discussed this position earlier in the week. In his announcement, Trump stated, “As our next Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke will spearhead the effort to protect American farmers, who are truly the backbone of our country. Congratulations, Brooke!”
During Trump’s first term, Rollins was the director of the White House Domestic Policy Council. Before that, she led the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank, for 15 years.
CNN reported that Trump also considered former Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler for the Agriculture role. Loeffler met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday, and discussions about the position took place. However, Trump delayed announcing his pick, leading to uncertainty about whether Loeffler was ultimately offered the job.
The Department of Agriculture includes 29 agencies and offices and employs nearly 100,000 people. It focuses on agriculture, natural resources, rural development, and nutrition. This position will be important, especially since Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, has plans to influence the agriculture industry