President-elect Donald Trump has selected Brooke Rollins as his Secretary of Agriculture, a move he announced on Saturday. In a statement, Trump praised Rollins for her “dedication to supporting the American farmer, defending food self-sufficiency, and revitalizing agriculture-dependent small towns across the country.”
“A proud Graduate of Texas A&M University, Brooke earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Agriculture Development, and J.D., with Honors,” the announcement said. “From her upbringing in the small and Agriculture-centered town of Glen Rose, Texas, to her years of leadership involvement with Future Farmers of America and 4H, to her generational Family Farming background, to guiding her four kids in their show cattle careers, Brooke has a practitioner’s experience, along with deep Policy credentials in both Nonprofit and Government leadership at the State and National levels.”
Rollins, who hails from Glen Rose, Texas, and grew up on a farm, was a somewhat unexpected choice for the role. Many had speculated that former Senator Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), who met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday, might be tapped for the position.
Rollins has a strong track record with the Trump administration, having served as the director of the Office of American Innovation and acting director of the Domestic Policy Council during his first term. She was also rumored to be a contender for White House Chief of Staff before the role went to Susie Wiles, a longtime Trump ally.
“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. “Congratulations Brook!”
Since leaving the Trump administration, Rollins co-founded the America First Policy Institute, a pro-Trump think tank dedicated to advancing the administration’s policies. Her appointment underscores Trump’s continued focus on prioritizing rural America and strengthening the agricultural sector.
