On November 24, 2024, U.S. President-elect Trump (Trump) announced on Saturday (November 23) the nomination of Brooke Rollins, CEO of the America First Policy Institute, as Secretary of Agriculture.
“As our next Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke will lead efforts to protect American farmers, who are the true backbone of our nation,” Trump said in a statement. “Congratulations, Brooke!”
Trump also stated that Brooke is committed to supporting American farmers, defending American food self-sufficiency, and revitalizing American small towns that rely on agriculture, which is paramount.
If confirmed by the Senate, Rollins will lead a Department of Agriculture with a staff of 100,000. The Department has offices in every county across the country and is responsible for farm and nutrition programs, forestry, family and farm loans, food safety, rural development, agricultural research, trade, and more. The Department of Agriculture’s budget for 2024 is $437.2 billion.
The think tank led by Rollins, the America First Policy Institute, worked closely with Trump’s campaign team to help shape the policies of the new government.
She previously served as Chair of the Domestic Policy Council during Trump’s first term. Before that, she was President of the conservative think tank Texas Public Policy Foundation for 15 years.
As Secretary of Agriculture, Rollins will advise the government on how and whether to implement tax credits for clean fuels for biofuels, an industry that is looking to grow through sustainable aviation fuel production.
Under the shadow of Mexico’s attempt to ban the import of genetically modified corn and the dispute over Canadian dairy import quotas, Rollins will also oversee the renegotiation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement next year.
(This article references reports from Reuters.)