NEWS RELEASE
College Station, TX – On Saturday, November 23rd, President-elect Donald Trump named Brooke Rollins ‘94 to head the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in his second term.
The USDA leads the U.S. government’s efforts to promote agricultural policies that support American producers and ensure a nutritious food supply for the American people. If confirmed as the Secretary of Agriculture, Rollins will oversee the USDA’s $430 billion yearly budget, leading all federal efforts in agricultural research, extension, and teaching within agriculture. She will play a key role in shaping agriculture, forestry, and food policies, representing agricultural needs across the federal government, and overseeing all state and federal agricultural programs through land-grant universities and other institutions. These programs support farmers and ranchers, promote agricultural trade, and manage natural resources. In a statement by Trump, “As our next Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke will spearhead the effort to protect American farmers, who are truly the backbone of our country.”
Rollins’ journey to becoming the Secretary of Agriculture began at Texas A&M University, where she earned her degree in Agricultural Development and a law degree from The University of Texas. Rollins distinguished herself early on as an ambitious and visionary leader. Her election as Texas A&M’s first female student body president in 1994 marked a historic moment for the university. As a trailblazer, Rollins remained rooted in her values of servant leadership during her time as student body president at Texas A&M and in the White House. Her leadership experiences at Texas A&M set the foundation for her future roles in public service and agricultural policy. Rollins’ mission has always been to fight for those she represents, which she has done through selfless service in Washington, D.C., and Aggieland.
Rollins served as Governor Rick Perry’s policy director before running the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) for fifteen years. At TPPF, she redefined the possibilities of a small policy organization, bringing national attention to a state-based think tank. Her leadership at the foundation earned her recognition as a pragmatic and effective advocate for conservative values. In 2018, she was recruited to serve under the Trump administration, where she ran the White House’s Office of American Innovation and the Domestic Policy Council. Rollins later founded the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), a non-profit and nonpartisan research organization. Her tenure in Washington, D.C., highlighted her ability to navigate complex political landscapes and implement transformative policies, attributes that prepared her for the USDA’s top role.
Rollins’ appointment as Secretary of Agriculture reflects her lifelong dedication to public service and agriculture. From her groundbreaking term as Texas A&M’s first female student body president to her influential roles in national politics, Rollins exemplifies the values of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity, and selfless service. Her vision for the future of agriculture aligns with the USDA’s mission to serve all Americans. As she steps into this pivotal role, Rollins brings a unique blend of experience, determination, and forward-thinking policies that will shape the future of U.S. agriculture for generations to come.
Written By: Zoë Meeks, Member