Washington (AP) Brooke Rollins, a former White House adviser, has been appointed by President-elect Donald Trump to head the Department of Agriculture in his second term.
Here are some details on Trump’s selection and the agency that Rollins will head if the Senate confirms her.
She is a lawyer with connections to the agricultural industry and a close bond with Trump.
The 52-year-old Rollins completed law school at the University of Texas after earning an undergraduate degree in agricultural development from Texas A&M University. During Trump’s first term, she oversaw domestic policy, which included agricultural policy. She was president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, which helped prepare the way for a second Trump administration, after departing the White House.
Rollins had developed a close enough bond with Trump over the years, who values loyalty in his Cabinet and senior adviser selections, that she was considered as a possible White House chief of staff. Susie Wiles, Trump’s co-campaign manager, was given that position.
Earlier this year, Rollins described Trump as an incredible employer.
USDA is more than just farming.
In 1862, when over half of all Americans lived on farms, President Abraham Lincoln established the USDA. Today, every American neighborhood, grocery store, and school cafeteria is served by the expansive department.
The main organization in charge of the country’s agriculture, forestry, ranching, food quality, and nutrition is the USDA. Promoting and regulating agricultural practices and products are the agency’s two main goals. The organization is in charge of several farmer assistance programs, plant and animal health, and the safety of the meat, poultry, and eggs that serve as the foundation of the country’s food supply. Food is provided to low-income individuals, expectant mothers, and small children through its federal nutrition programs. Additionally, the department establishes guidelines for school meals.
The new head of USDA may play a significant role in Trump 2.0.
During the campaign, Trump did not provide many details regarding his agricultural policy. However, farmers may suffer immediate and possibly severe consequences if he follows through on his promise to apply broad tariffs. China and other nations responded to Trump’s tariffs during the first Trump administration by enacting retaliatory taxes on American exports, such as the corn and soybeans that are frequently sold abroad. In response, Trump offered farmers enormous, multibillion-dollar assistance to help them survive the trade war.
The repercussions can also affect consumers’ grocery expenses. Agriculture secretaries are typically not the most visible members of an administration when everything is going well. However, when the country’s food supply is in jeopardy, things can be different.
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Reporting from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was Gomez Licon.
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