Donald Trump taps Brooke Rollins for agriculture secretary: 'Ready to make agriculture great again'

US President-elect Donald Trump has named Brooke Rollins, president of the America First Policy Institute, as his choice for agriculture secretary.

“As our next Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke will spearhead the effort to protect American Farmers, who are truly the backbone of our Country,” said the US president-elect in a statement, highlighting the significance of her appointment.

“Brooke’s commitment to support the American Farmer, defence of American Food Self-Sufficiency, and the restoration of Agriculture-dependent American Small Towns is second to none,” Trump added.

After her nomination, Rollins wrote on X, “Thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to serve as the next US Secretary of Agriculture. It will be the honour of my life to fight for America’s farmers and our Nation’s agricultural communities. This is big stuff for a small-town ag girl from Glen Rose, TX — truly the American Dream at its greatest.”

“Who’s ready to make agriculture great again!” she added.

With this nomination, Trump has completed the selection of his key cabinet members for his incoming administration.

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If the Senate confirms her appointment, Rollins will take charge of a key agency with 100,000 employees and offices in every county across the United States. The Department of Agriculture oversees various responsibilities, including farming and nutrition programmes, forestry, food safety, rural development, agricultural research, trade, and more.

CNN reported that Trump had also considered Kelly Loeffler, a former US senator and ally, for the role. Meanwhile, Rollins had been mentioned earlier as a potential candidate for White House chief of staff. However, she stepped back when it became apparent that vying for the position would lead to a power struggle with Susie Wiles, who was ultimately chosen for the role.

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During Trump’s first term, Rollins served as director of the White House Domestic Policy Council. Before that, she led the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank, for 15 years.

(With inputs from agencies)