“Brooke has been an invaluable member of my administration, and I am confident that she has the skills and experience to lead the Department of Agriculture,” Trump said in a statement. Rollins is a former investment banker and energy executive who served as a senior adviser to the Trump campaign in 2016. She has no direct experience in agriculture policy.

The Secretary of Agriculture oversees a $153 billion budget and a workforce of over 100,000 employees. The department is responsible for promoting agricultural development, safeguarding the nation’s food supply, and managing the nation’s forests and grasslands.

Rollins’ nomination has been met with mixed reactions. Some farm groups have expressed concern about her lack of agricultural experience, while others have welcomed her appointment as a sign that the Trump administration is prioritizing the industry.

“We are confident that Brooke Rollins will be a strong advocate for American agriculture,” said Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. “She has a deep understanding of the challenges facing farmers and ranchers, and we look forward to working with her to address them.”

Rollins’ nomination has also raised questions about the Trump administration’s commitment to climate change science. Rollins has been a vocal critic of environmental regulations, which has led some environmental groups to oppose her nomination.

“Brooke Rollins’ record on climate change is deeply concerning,” said Erich Pica, president of Friends of the Earth. “She has advocated for policies that would exacerbate climate change and harm our food system.”

Rollins’ nomination is subject to Senate confirmation. It remains unclear whether she will face significant opposition from Democrats or moderate Republicans.

The Senate Agriculture Committee will hold a hearing on Rollins’ nomination in the coming weeks. If she is confirmed, Rollins will take over as Secretary of Agriculture from Sonny Perdue, who has served in the post since 2017.

Rollins’ appointment comes at a critical time for the agriculture industry, which is facing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and trade disputes. It remains to be seen how Rollins will address these challenges and shape the future of American agriculture.