Donald Trump has announced the nomination of Brooke Rollins, a longtime ally and president of the America First Policy Institute, as secretary of agriculture. The announcement, made late Saturday afternoon, completes Trump’s cabinet selections ahead of his return to the presidency.
“As our next Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke will spearhead the effort to protect American farmers, who are truly the backbone of our country,” Trump said in a statement.
Rollins has been a close Trump confidante for years. She co-founded and leads the America First Policy Institute, a prominent pro-Trump think tank. During Trump’s first administration, she served as director of the Office of American Innovation and acting director of the Domestic Policy Council.
A farm upbringing shaped Rollins’ early life, where she participated in agricultural programs like Future Farmers of America and 4H. She later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture development from Texas A&M University before pursuing a career in law.
If confirmed by the Senate, Rollins will oversee critical aspects of the nation’s agricultural policies, including farm subsidies, federal nutrition programs, meat inspections, and forestry management. She is also expected to play a significant role in renegotiating the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, which could include implementing Trump’s proposed tariffs.
Rollins’ nomination marks the culmination of a fast-paced and occasionally contentious round of cabinet selections, solidifying Trump’s team as he prepares to take office in January.
