Brooke Rollins Agriculture secretary/ Trump USDA pick/ Brooke Rollins Trump adviser/ American farm policy/ Trump economic team/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President-elect Donald Trump is expected to nominate Brooke Rollins, a former policy adviser and current president of the America First Policy Institute, as Secretary of Agriculture. Rollins, a Texas native with a background in agriculture and domestic policy, is anticipated to shape farm policy amid Trump’s proposed tariffs on imports, which could impact American farmers.
Brooke Rollins for Agriculture: Quick Looks
- Background: Former Domestic Policy Council leader; head of the America First Policy Institute.
- Texas Roots: Grew up on a farm and holds an agriculture degree from Texas A&M University.
- Key Issues: Will likely address Trump’s tariff plans and their effects on U.S. farmers.
- Close Ally: Worked closely with Trump and Jared Kushner during the first administration.
- Cabinet Formation: Part of Trump’s rapidly growing economic team alongside other key picks.
Trump Set to Name Brooke Rollins as Agriculture Secretary
Deep Look
President-elect Donald Trump is expected to nominate Brooke Rollins to lead the Department of Agriculture (USDA), marking another key appointment as he forms his second-term Cabinet. Rollins, a trusted Trump ally and experienced policy leader, brings a blend of agricultural knowledge and political expertise to the role.
A Texas Native with Agricultural Roots
Raised on a Texas farm, Rollins earned her degree in agricultural development from Texas A&M University. Her personal connection to farming and rural America makes her a fitting choice to lead the USDA, which oversees farm policy, food safety, and rural development.
In addition to her agricultural background, Rollins is known for her work as president of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank. She later served as the head of the Domestic Policy Council during Trump’s first term, shaping key policy initiatives across multiple sectors.
America First Policy Institute Leadership
As president of the America First Policy Institute, Rollins has spent recent years preparing for a potential second Trump term. The institute, which includes several former Trump officials, focuses on advancing conservative policies aligned with Trump’s vision. Rollins has been a central figure in the think tank, which positions her as a natural fit for a Cabinet role.
Key Responsibilities at the USDA
If confirmed, Rollins will lead a department with a broad mandate, including managing U.S. farm policy, food assistance programs, and rural development initiatives. A significant challenge will be navigating Trump’s proposed sweeping tariffs on U.S. imports, which could have far-reaching effects on American agriculture.
Trump’s tariff plans aim to boost domestic production but could disrupt export markets critical to U.S. farmers. Rollins’ role will involve finding ways to support American farmers while managing potential fallout from these trade policies.
Trump’s Rapid Cabinet Formation
Rollins joins a growing list of appointees for Trump’s economic team, which blends loyalists with experienced business leaders. Recent nominations include Scott Bessent for Treasury secretary, Russell Vought for the Office of Management and Budget, and Howard Lutnick for Commerce secretary.
Trump reportedly considered businesswoman and former Senator Kelly Loeffler for the USDA role before deciding on Rollins. Rollins spoke with Trump about the position earlier this week, signaling her deep involvement in shaping his administration’s economic and agricultural priorities.
Remaining Key Picks
While Trump has made significant progress in forming his Cabinet, two critical economic roles remain unfilled: the director of the National Economic Council and the U.S. trade representative. These positions will play pivotal roles alongside Rollins in implementing Trump’s economic agenda.
