UPDATE 4:21pm CST: President-elect Trump has nominated Brooke Rollins to be the new Secretary of Agriculture. See our original story below and our new reporting can be found here: https://americanagnetwork.com/2024/11/brooke-rollins-nominated-for-secretary-of-agriculture/
President-elect Donald Trump’s selection for Secretary of Agriculture is drawing significant attention as two names have emerged: Brooke Rollins, president of the America First Policy Institute, known for her extensive policy-making experience and ties to Trump’s administration, and Kelly Loeffler, a former U.S. Senator with deep agricultural roots and strong fundraising efforts during Trump’s 2024 campaign. While CNN previously reported that Loeffler was being considered for the role, the Wall Street Journal revealed on Saturday that Rollins is expected to receive the nomination.
Rollins, currently president of the America First Policy Institute, has deep ties to Trump’s political agenda, having influenced key policies such as economic deregulation, energy independence, and rural broadband expansion. The think tank has played a pivotal role in shaping policies for Trump’s incoming administration. Rollins also chaired the Domestic Policy Council during Trump’s first term, positioning her as a key figure in crafting domestic priorities. If confirmed, her role would extend to advising the administration on implementing clean fuel tax credits for biofuels, a sector poised for growth through sustainable aviation fuel production. Rollins would also guide the renegotiation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal, which faces challenges such as disputes over Mexico’s ban on genetically modified corn imports and Canada’s dairy import quotas. Additionally, Trump’s plans to reinstate sweeping tariffs, likely impacting the agricultural sector, would also fall under Rollins’ purview.
Loeffler’s consideration for Secretary of Agriculture is somewhat unexpected, given her limited policy experience compared to Rollins’ extensive background in shaping national agendas. Although she was appointed to the Senate in 2020 by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp against Trump’s preference, she remained a loyal ally, supporting his efforts to challenge the 2020 election results. Raised on a family corn and soybean farm in Illinois, Loeffler has hands-on agricultural experience, including fieldwork, participation in 4-H, and showing cattle. During her brief Senate tenure, she served on the Agriculture Committee and sponsored legislation addressing food insecurity and farmer support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Loeffler actively supported Trump during the 2024 campaign, hosting a major fundraising event with Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley, which raised millions and included appearances by several of Trump’s Cabinet picks. She is also co-chairing Trump’s inauguration committee.
The Wall Street Journal’s report on Rollins comes just one day after multiple sources indicated Trump planned to offer the position to Loeffler. The nominees may be surprising, but Trump’s unpredictable decision-making fits his pattern of keeping key appointments, like Secretary of Agriculture, in flux.
As of now, both Rollins and Loeffler are reported as potential nominees for the USDA Secretary role. However, the Wall Street Journal’s coverage suggests a more definitive expectation of Rollins’ appointment, while CNN and other outlets maintain that Loeffler remains in contention until an official announcement is made.
Stay tuned for live updates on this story as it becomes available.
