President-elect Trump has nominated Brooke Rollins to be Secretary of Agriculture.
In a statement Saturday, President Trump praised Rollins' “work to support America's farmers, protect America's food independence, and restore America's small towns that rely on agriculture.”
“A proud graduate of Texas A&M University, Mr. Brooke earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Development and a Juris Doctor degree with honors,” the announcement said. “From her upbringing in the small agricultural town of Glen Rose, Texas, to her years of leadership involvement with Future Farmers of America and 4-H, to her family farming background, which has been passed down from generation to generation, From mentoring children's show cattle careers, Brooke has practical experience and deep policy credentials in nonprofit and government leadership at the state and national level.”
“As the next Secretary of Agriculture, Mr. Brooke will lead efforts to protect the true backbone of our country: the American farmer,” President Trump said. “Congratulations Brooke!”
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AFPI President and CEO Brooke Rollins attends the America First Policy Institute's America First Agenda Summit held at the Marriott Marquis on July 26, 2022. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc, via Getty Images)
Rollins, who grew up on a farm in Glen Rose, Texas, was a surprise pick for the position. Former Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.), who met with the president-elect at Mar-a-Lago on Friday afternoon, was rumored to be filling the position before Trump's official announcement on Saturday.
Rollins was previously rumored to be on Trump's shortlist for chief of staff, but was ultimately chosen by longtime ally Susie Wiles.
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Mr. Rollins served as Director of the Office of Innovation and Acting Director of the Domestic Policy Council during the first Trump administration.
During the Trump administration, Rollins co-founded the pro-Trump think tank America First Policy Institute.

President-elect Trump has nominated Brooke Rollins to be Secretary of Agriculture. (Fox News)
If confirmed by the Senate, Rollins would lead an agency of 100,000 people with offices in every county in the country. The role includes management of agriculture and nutrition, forestry, food safety, rural development, agricultural research, and more.
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