Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump has nominated Brooke Rollins, a Texas businesswoman and former state official, to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The appointment, announced on Tuesday, marks a significant shift in leadership for the USDA, which has been headed by former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue since 2017. Rollins, a Republican, currently serves as director of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
“Brooke Rollins is a highly qualified and experienced leader who will ensure that the USDA continues to support American agriculture and rural communities,” Trump said in a statement. “She has a deep understanding of agriculture and a proven track record of working with stakeholders.”
Rollins, 53, has a long history in agricultural policy and administration. She served as Commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture from 2007 to 2014, where she oversaw the state’s agricultural regulatory and marketing programs.
Experts in agriculture hailed the choice of Rollins. “She brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the challenges facing farmers and ranchers,” said Bob Stallman, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Rollins’ nomination comes amid a number of controversies surrounding the Trump administration’s agricultural policies. Farmers have been struggling with low commodity prices and shrinking markets, while the administration’s trade war with China has exacerbated these challenges.
Environmentalists have also expressed concerns about the administration’s rollback of environmental regulations, which they argue could harm the long-term sustainability of agriculture.
Rollins has not yet commented publicly on her nomination. She will need to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate before she can take office.
Analysts expect Rollins’ confirmation process to be contentious. Democrats have criticized Trump’s agricultural policies and may seek to block her nomination. Republicans, however, are likely to support her, giving her a good chance of being confirmed.
