By President-elect Donald Trump completed his cabinet lineup Saturday by nominating Brooke Rollins, a longtime ally and head of the America First Policy Institute, as agriculture secretary, finalizing a selection process marked by controversy and unexpected withdrawals.
“As our next Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke will spearhead the effort to protect American Farmers, who are truly the backbone of our Country,” Trump announced in a statement, concluding a series of cabinet nominations that has reflected both his MAGA movement’s influence and willingness to embrace former critics.
Rollins, who would oversee the nation’s farm subsidies, nutrition programs, and food safety inspections if confirmed, brings agricultural roots to the position. Raised on a farm, she participated in Future Farmers of America and 4H before earning an agriculture development degree from Texas A&M University and later practicing law.
The nominee previously served in Trump’s first administration as director of the Office of American Innovation and acting director of the Domestic Policy Council before co-founding the America First Policy Institute, a prominent right-wing think tank. Her role would be crucial in renegotiating the U.S.-Canada-Mexico trade agreement, potentially implementing Trump’s promised tariffs.
The completion of Trump’s 15-member cabinet follows several controversial nominations and withdrawals. Former congressman Matt Gaetz withdrew his attorney general nomination amid sexual misconduct allegations, leading to former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi’s selection. Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth faces scrutiny over newly revealed details of an alleged 2017 sexual assault, which he denies.
Robert Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to lead Health and Human Services has drawn particular attention, as the former environmental lawyer and vaccine skeptic switched from running against Trump as an independent to receiving the nomination after endorsing him. Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon’s selection as education secretary has sparked criticism over her lack of educational experience.
“Trump’s cabinet picks reflect both loyalty tests and his willingness to embrace controversial figures,” said political analyst Jane Smith of Georgetown University. “The question now is whether the Republican-controlled Senate will confirm all these nominees.”
All cabinet nominees require Senate confirmation, with hearings expected to begin when the new Congress convenes January 3. As agriculture secretary, Rollins would oversee a department crucial to Trump’s rural base and his promised America First trade policies.
Source: bbc.com
