Small-Town Roots, Big Plans: Trump Taps Brooke Rollins As Agriculture Secretary, Finalizing Cabinet

US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Brooke Rollins, the president of the America First Policy Institute, as the Secretary of Agriculture. Trump confirmed the decision in a statement on Saturday, marking the completion of his key cabinet appointments ahead of assuming office next year.

“As our next Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke will spearhead efforts to protect American farmers, who are truly the backbone of our country,” Trump said. The announcement follows a series of appointments on Friday, filling top positions in the health, treasury, and labor departments.

 

A Role with Significant Responsibilities 

If confirmed by the Senate, Rollins will oversee the Department of Agriculture, which employs approximately 100,000 people. The department handles a broad range of responsibilities, including farm and nutrition programs, food safety, agricultural research, trade, forestry, rural development, and more. With a $437.2 billion budget for 2024, Rollins will also play a crucial role in negotiating trade deals, setting dietary guidelines, inspecting meat, combating wildfires, and supporting rural broadband.

Trump praised Rollins’ dedication, saying her “commitment to supporting American farmers, defending food self-sufficiency, and revitalizing agriculture-dependent small towns is second to none.”

Rollins Expresses Gratitude 

In response, Rollins expressed her gratitude on X. “Thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to serve as the next US Secretary of Agriculture. This is big stuff for a small-town ag girl from Glen Rose, TX truly the American Dream at its greatest,” she wrote, adding, “Who’s ready to make agriculture great again?”

Rollins leads the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank closely aligned with Trump’s policies. She also chaired the Domestic Policy Council during Trump’s first term.

Her appointment reflects Trump’s emphasis on bolstering American agriculture and supporting rural communities, signaling a continued focus on food security and agricultural trade as key pillars of his administration.