Former White House aide Brooke Rollins has been named Donald Trump’s pick for Agriculture Secretary, beating out candidates championed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s controversial choice to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Rollins’ nomination signals a victory for entrenched agriculture interests wary of Kennedy’s agenda to overhaul the U.S. food system.
Kennedy’s Vision for Agriculture Policy
Kennedy, who joined Trump’s transition team after ending his independent presidential bid, has been vocal about his desire to transform U.S. farm subsidies and food policies. Advocating for a war against large agriculture commodity interests, he argues that sectors like sugar, corn, and soybeans contribute to America’s health crises.
Kennedy’s lobbying efforts included promoting candidates such as Rep. Thomas Massie and Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller for the role of Agriculture Secretary. Both are known for their critiques of federal farm subsidy programs. However, industry groups pushed back, warning that Kennedy-aligned picks could alienate key agricultural stakeholders.
Instead, Trump opted for Rollins, co-founder of the America First Policy Institute, a think tank closely aligned with Trump’s agenda. Rollins has limited experience in agricultural policy but is viewed as a trusted ally within Trump’s inner circle.
Rollins’ Role and Industry Reactions
Rollins’ appointment reflects a strategic decision to balance Kennedy’s influence within the Trump administration. While she has a background in agricultural development, her focus has largely been on domestic policy and political strategy. Her selection has been met with relief from agriculture groups and rural lawmakers who feared Kennedy’s aggressive reform agenda.
“Brooke Rollins is a savvy operator who won’t be anyone’s lackey,” said a GOP farm state lawmaker. Industry leaders believe Rollins will prioritize stability in farm subsidies and food policies, providing reassurance to farmers and ranchers.
Despite her lack of direct agriculture experience, Rollins is expected to receive support in the Senate due to her strong ties to Trump and his team.
Kennedy’s Influence Remains
Though Kennedy will head HHS, his ability to implement sweeping changes in agriculture policy remains limited. HHS oversees the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and public health policies but has no direct control over farm subsidies or broader agricultural systems.
Farm state lawmakers and industry groups have expressed skepticism about Kennedy’s ability to deliver on his promises. “Some of the stuff he’s talking about doesn’t even come under the jurisdiction of HHS,” noted Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).
However, Kennedy and his allies are still pushing for influence over lower-level USDA appointments. His former running mate, Nicole Shanahan, has publicly advocated for Kennedy-aligned appointees, signaling an ongoing tug-of-war within Trump’s transition team.
What’s Next for U.S. Agriculture Policy?
Rollins’ confirmation as Agriculture Secretary will place her at the center of decisions affecting the $1.5 trillion food and agriculture industry. With a budget of over $430 billion and programs impacting nearly every aspect of rural America, her leadership will be crucial.
Kennedy, meanwhile, is expected to focus his efforts on health-related policies at HHS, leveraging his platform to influence broader debates about public health and food safety.
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