Brooke Rollins Confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

On February 13, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed Brooke Rollins as the 33rd Secretary of Agriculture with a 72–28 vote. She was sworn in the same day by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Rollins becomes the second woman to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), following Ann Veneman.

Background and Early Life

Born on April 10, 1972, in Glen Rose, Texas, Rollins was raised on a family farm. She actively participated in agricultural youth organizations, including 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA), where she later served as a state officer.

Rollins attended Texas A&M University, graduating cum laude in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Development. Notably, she was the first woman elected as student body president at the university. She later earned her Juris Doctor with honors from the University of Texas School of Law.

Brooke Rollins Professional Career

After law school, Rollins worked as a lawyer in Dallas. She then served as deputy general counsel, ethics advisor, and policy director for Texas Governor Rick Perry. In 2003, she became president and CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank, where she expanded the staff from three to 100 members.

In President Donald Trump’s first term, Rollins held roles including Director of the Office of American Innovation and acting Director of the Domestic Policy Council. After the administration, she led the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank promoting Trump’s economic policies.

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Nomination and Confirmation

On November 23, 2024, President-elect Trump announced his intent to nominate Rollins as Secretary of Agriculture. During her January 23, 2025, confirmation hearing before the Senate Agriculture Committee, Rollins outlined her priorities, including:

• Rapid deployment of disaster and economic assistance authorized by Congress.
• Addressing current animal disease outbreaks.
• Modernizing and realigning the USDA.
• Ensuring long-term prosperity for rural communities.

Despite some criticism over her limited direct agricultural experience, Rollins emphasized her rural upbringing and commitment to serving farmers and rural communities. Her close relationship with President Trump was seen as a potential advantage in advancing agricultural discussions on trade and labor.

Challenges Ahead

As she assumes leadership of the USDA, Rollins faces several significant challenges:

• Animal Disease Outbreaks: Managing and mitigating current animal disease outbreaks to protect livestock and the agricultural economy.
• Trade and Market Access: Improving international market access for U.S. agricultural products amidst evolving global trade dynamics.
• Rural Development: Promoting long-term prosperity in rural communities through infrastructure development and support for local economies.
• Climate Change: Addressing environmental concerns and implementing sustainable agricultural practices.

Rollins’ tenure will be closely watched by both supporters and critics as she navigates these complex issues. Her leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the future of American agriculture.

Conclusion

Brooke Rollins‘ confirmation as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture marks a significant milestone in her career and for the USDA. Her diverse background in law, policy, and conservative think tanks, combined with her rural upbringing, provides her with a unique perspective as she leads the department. The agricultural community and the nation will be observing closely to see how she addresses the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.