The Senate Agriculture Committee unanimously advanced Brooke Rollins’ nomination for agriculture secretary Monday.
With the committee’s approval, Rollins is now poised for a full Senate vote, though committee chair John Boozman (R-Ark.) noted it’s unlikely to happen this week. Rollins is expected to be easily confirmed with bipartisan support.
Republican senators have praised Rollins’ close relationship with President Donald Trump and, although she does not have an extensive record in agriculture policy, they point to her experience as a domestic policy chief during the first Trump administration as an asset.
In the weeks leading up to Monday’s vote, several Democratic senators also signaled their openness to supporting Rollins after having “productive” discussions about their agriculture policy priorities. They will need to collaborate with her on critical issues like the stalled farm bill and the allocation of billions of dollars in economic aid for farmers—responsibilities overseen by the USDA chief.
At her confirmation hearing before the Senate Agriculture Committee, Rollins faced questions from senators urging her to commit to advocating for agricultural interests in Cabinet discussions, especially regarding mass deportations and sweeping tariffs. Rollins reassured lawmakers, stating, “I sincerely believe that if I do my job, USDA will be able to help bring in new trade partners, expand access for new trade products, and support all sectors, whether it’s specialty crops, row crops, or the livestock industry.”
A Texas native, Rollins brings extensive public policy experience to the role. She began her political career as the first female student body president at Texas A&M University, where she focused on service and inclusivity. Her leadership during that time laid the foundation for her career in public service, with an emphasis on addressing student needs.
After earning a degree in Agricultural Development, Rollins served as Policy Director under Texas Governor Rick Perry, where she worked on natural resource policies critical to the agricultural sector. During her tenure, she also advocated for sustainable resource management, supported free-market policies, and sought to reduce government regulation.
Rollins’ qualifications have garnered support from agricultural leaders, who view her as a strong advocate for policies that benefit rural communities and the agricultural industry. This news has been met with support from numerous agricultural industry groups, with a prevailing sentiment of optimism for a bipartisan path forward.
As President and CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Rollins became known for championing free-market principles, including minimal government intervention and backing industries like fossil fuels. She continued to advocate for these views during her leadership at the America First Policy Institute, where she played a key role in preparing for a potential second term for President Trump.
“Brooke Rollins will be an outstanding Secretary of Agriculture. Mrs. Rollins is deeply committed to advocating for our country’s producers and understands the needs of rural America,” said Chandler Goule, CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG). “NAWG encourages the Senate to move swiftly to confirm her as soon as possible.”
On behalf of America’s sugar beet and sugarcane farmers and workers, the American Sugar Alliance stated, “President Donald Trump and Secretary-designate Rollins are committed to putting America’s farmers first. Today’s bipartisan vote reaffirms that Rollins will be a champion for our farmers, workers, and rural communities. Agriculture is a vital cornerstone of our nation’s economy and food security, and America’s strong domestic sugar industry is a critical part of the American food supply. We urge the full Senate to confirm Secretary-designate Rollins without delay.”
“IDFA congratulates Ms. Rollins on the Senate Agriculture Committee’s strong, bipartisan approval of her nomination, and we urge the full Senate to swiftly confirm her as the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA). “IDFA looks forward to working with Ms. Rollins at USDA to enhance the dietary health of Americans, support farmers and industry in the production of wholesome food, and foster a regulatory environment that drives innovation, growth, and safety. These efforts will allow our industry to continue leading the world in the production of high-quality, nutritious dairy foods.”
Once confirmed, Rollins will make history as the first Secretary of Agriculture to have served as a state officer in the National FFA Organization, a distinction that highlights her deep ties to agricultural education.
