Background and Appointment
Brooke Rollins brings a distinguished background in policy and law to her role as Agriculture Secretary. She previously served as deputy general counsel, ethics advisor, and policy director to Texas Governor Rick Perry, establishing her expertise in government operations and policy development.
Her nomination to lead the USDA was announced by President-elect Trump on November 23, 2024, and she advanced through the Senate Agriculture Committee with unanimous support on February 3, 2025. The full Senate confirmed her nomination with a 72-28 vote on February 13, 2025, demonstrating significant bipartisan recognition of her qualifications for the position.
Recent Policy Initiatives
Since taking office, Secretary Rollins has announced major updates to federal crop insurance programs designed to expand access for farmers and ranchers. On December 5, 2025, she unveiled initiatives to boost the farm safety net through enhanced crop insurance accessibility, addressing critical needs within the agricultural community.
Rollins has also been instrumental in implementing significant changes to food assistance programs. Her administration has pursued data-sharing initiatives with states regarding SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) participation, with threats to withhold federal funding from states that do not comply with data requests. Additionally, the White House announced a $12 billion farmer bailout package, with Rollins participating alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in the announcement.
In July 2025, Secretary Rollins announced a comprehensive reorganization of the USDA aimed at restoring the department's core mission of supporting American agriculture. This reorganization plan included restructuring regional offices and realigning locations with USDA Hubs and Service Centers over a two-year period, though the plan generated concerns from Congressional Democrats regarding implementation timelines and workforce impacts.
Leadership Vision and Impact
As the second woman to serve as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Rollins brings a conservative policy perspective shaped by her work at the Texas Public Policy Foundation and the America First Policy Institute. Her approach emphasizes streamlining government operations while maintaining focus on agricultural support and rural development.
Rollins' tenure reflects the Trump administration's commitment to reshaping federal agricultural policy with an emphasis on supporting farmers and ranchers while modernizing USDA operations. Her background in domestic policy and strategic initiatives positions her to implement transformational changes across the department's diverse functions and services.