President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Brooke Rollins, a former White House domestic policy adviser, to be his agriculture secretary.
“Brooke’s dedication to supporting American farmers, defending food self-sufficiency, and revitalizing agriculture-dependent small towns is unparalleled,” Trump stated. “As our next Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke will lead the charge in safeguarding American farmers, who are the cornerstone of our nation.”
Rollins currently serves as the president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a think tank spearheaded by former Trump administration officials, established with the aim of preparing for the president-elect’s return to the White House. The Wall Street Journal initially reported Rollins as the anticipated nominee for the cabinet position. If confirmed, she would oversee a department of nearly 100,000 employees responsible for farm policy, forestry, food safety, nutrition, and rural development programs.
Rollins is likely to be involved in discussions regarding Trump’s decisions on imposing broad tariffs on U.S. imports, which could significantly affect American farmers. She would also be expected to play a key role in renegotiating the US-Mexico-Canada trade deal next year, amidst disputes such as Mexico’s attempt to block imports of genetically modified corn and Canada’s imposition of dairy import quotas.
Rollins, who hails from Glen Rose, Texas, and describes herself as a “small-town ag girl,” pledged to “advocate for America’s farmers and our nation’s agricultural communities” following her nomination.
Previously serving as the chair of the Domestic Policy Council during Trump’s first term, Rollins was also considered a potential candidate for the White House chief of staff role in his second administration. That position eventually went to Susie Wiles, who managed Trump’s latest presidential campaign.
Trump had also contemplated nominating former Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler, who he has already appointed to co-chair his inaugural committee, for the Agriculture Secretary role, according to CNN. A representative for Trump’s transition team did not respond to a request for comment.
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