UNITED STATES – The virtual president-elect Donald Trump reported this Saturday that he will nominate former White House aide Brooke Rollins as his Secretary of Agriculture, thus completing the appointments to take the reins of state agencies with people from his circle of advisors and allies.
The nomination must be ratified by the Senate, which will be controlled by Republicans once Trump takes office on January 20, 2025. Rollins would take the place of current Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, who heads the extensive agency in charge of controlling policies, regulations and aid programs related to agriculture, forestry, livestock, food quality and nutrition.
Rollins, an attorney who graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural development, has long been a close aide to Trump and served as his former national policy chief.
The 52-year-old official is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group that is working to lay the groundwork for Trump’s second term.
He previously served as an aide to former Texas Governor Rick Perry and directed the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a think tank. Additionally, she worked as a criminal attorney in Dallas and clerked for a federal court in the Northern District of Texas after graduating with a law degree from the University of Texas.
Rollins’ election completes the selection of executive branch secretaries, just two and a half weeks after Trump won the election. Several appointments that are traditionally made at the Cabinet level are still pending, such as the US Trade Representative and the director of the US Small Business Administration (SBA).
During an appearance on the Christian show “Family Talk” earlier this year, Rollins said Trump was an “incredible boss” and confessed that in 2015 — during his first presidential campaign — he thought he wouldn’t be able to stay in the race. the presidential nomination of the Republican Party.
“I was the first to say ‘Oh, Donald Trump is not going to last more than two or three weeks in the Republican primaries. This is to increase the audience of your television show. And then everything will go back to normal,’” he declared. “A couple of years later, I’m in charge of their national policy agenda.”
Trump did not offer many details about his agricultural policies during the campaign, but farmers could be affected if he follows through on his promise to impose a wide range of tariffs. During his first term, countries like China retaliated against Trump’s tariffs, implementing their own levies on American exports such as corn and soybeans that are commonly sold abroad.
Trump countered the impact of the measure by offering multimillion-dollar aid to farmers to help them weather the trade war.
President Abraham Lincoln founded the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1862, when about half of all Americans lived on farms. The USDA oversees multiple support programs for farmers; animal and plant health; and the safety of the meat, poultry and eggs that sustain the nation’s food supply. Its federal nutrition programs provide food to low-income people, pregnant women and young children. Additionally, the USDA sets standards for school meals.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has promised to eliminate ultra-processed foods from school lunches and stop allowing Food Assistance recipients Supplemental Nutrition Use food stamps to buy soda, candy, or other types of junk food. But it would be USDA, and not HHS, the agency responsible for implementing those changes.
Additionally, HHS and USDA will work hand in hand to finalize the 2025-2030 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which are scheduled to be published late next year and will contain guidance for healthy diets and standards for federal health programs. nutrition.
Here are two PAA-related questions based on the provided text:
## World Today News Interview: Brooke Rollins and the Future of US Agriculture
**Host:** Welcome back to World Today News. Today we have a fascinating topic to discuss: the nomination of Brooke Rollins as the new Secretary of Agriculture under the incoming Trump administration.
Joining us are two esteemed guests. Dr. Emily Carter, an agricultural economist specializing in trade policy, and Mr. John Miller, a veteran journalist who’s covered US politics for over three decades.
Welcome to both of you.
**Dr. Carter & Mr. Miller:** Thank you for having us.
**Section 1: Background and Qualifications**
**Host:** Dr. Carter, let’s start with Brooke Rollins. On paper, she has a solid background in policy and law, but her experience directly related to agriculture seems limited. What are your thoughts on her qualifications for such a crucial role?
**Dr. Carter:** Well, Rollins’ legal background and experience in policy are certainly valuable assets. However, leading the USDA requires a deep understanding of the agricultural sector, its complexities, and the varied needs of farmers across the country.
**Host:** Mr. Miller, how might Rollins’ close relationship with Trump influence her approach as Secretary of Agriculture?
**Mr. Miller:** Rollins has a long history of loyalty to Trump and has been a strong advocate for his policies.
This raises questions about whether she will prioritize the best interests of farmers and consumers or be more inclined to align USDA policies with Trump’s broader agenda.
**Section 2: Policy Implications**(
**Host:** Dr. Carter, many farmers are concerned about the impact of Trump’s trade policies on their livelihoods. How could ROLLINS’s appointment affect these concerns?
**Dr. Carter:** Trump’s tariffs have undeniably disrupted international trade and created uncertainty for farmers.
Rollins’ statement that she initially doubted Trump’s political viability raises questions about her understanding of the complexities of international trade and the potential ramifications for the agricultural sector.
**Host:** Mr. Miller, what are your thoughts on thedible.possibility of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s influence on USDA policies, given his controversial stances on food and nutrition?
**Mr. Miller:** Kennedy Jr.’s appointment as HHS Secretary could lead to significant changes in school lunch programs and food assistance. However, the USDA ultimately has the authority to implement these changes. Rollins’ acceptance or rejection of these proposals will be something to watch closely.
**Section 3: Looking Ahead**
**Host:** Dr. Carter, what challenges do you foresee for the incoming Secretary of Agriculture, regardless of Rollins’s specific policy decisions?
**Dr. Carter:** The agricultural sector faces a multitude of challenges, from climate change and resource management to evolving consumer preferences.
The new Secretary will need to be adept at navigating these complex issues while advocating for the well-being of farmers and the American food system as a whole.
**Host:** Mr. Miller, how do you think the appointment of Rollins will be received by different stakeholders, such as agricultural industry groups and consumer advocacy organizations?
**Mr. Miller:**
Rollins’ nomination is likely to generate strong reactions from both sides. Advocacy groups focused on food security and environmental sustainability may express concerns about her potential alignment with Trump’s agenda. Conversely, industry groups may welcome her perceived pro-business stance.
**Host:** any closing thoughts for our audience?
**Dr. Carter:** The role of Secretary of Agriculture is essential to the well-being of our nation.
It’s crucial that we carefully examine Rollins’ qualifications and policies to ensure that they serve the best interests of farmers, consumers, and the environment.
**Mr. Miller:**
This appointment is another important piece of the puzzle in understanding the direction of the Trump administration’s second term.
We need to pay close attention to Rollins’ actions and decisions to assess their impact on the agricultural landscape.
**Host:** Thank you both for sharing your insights. This is a critical issue with far-reaching consequences, and we appreciate your willingness to shed light on it.
We’ll be sure to keep our viewers updated on developments related to the USDA and the new administration.
