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In February 2025, Brooke L. Rollins was officially sworn in as the 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, taking on one of the most important jobs in the country. From supporting farmers to making sure families have safe food on the table, her role touches the lives of millions of Americans every single day.

From Small-Town Texas to National Leadership

Brooke Rollins grew up in Glen Rose, Texas, a small town that shaped her understanding of rural life and agriculture. She went on to study Agricultural Development at Texas A&M University, where she broke barriers as the first female student body president. Later, she earned her law degree at the University of Texas School of Law.

That mix of farm-focused education and legal training built the foundation for her future career in public service.

Building a Career in Policy and Leadership

Before becoming Secretary of Agriculture, Rollins had already built an impressive résumé:

• She worked as a policy director and ethics advisor to Texas Governor Rick Perry.
• For 15 years, she led the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), growing it into one of the most influential think tanks in the country.
• She later served in the Trump White House, where she directed the Office of American Innovation and briefly led the Domestic Policy Council.
• Most recently, she founded and ran the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), focusing on policies to strengthen American families, businesses, and communities.

Taking Charge of the USDA

In November 2024, President Donald Trump nominated Rollins to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). After a Senate confirmation vote of 72–28, she was sworn in on February 13, 2025 in a private ceremony led by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

Now, she oversees an agency of nearly 100,000 employees and a mission that spans farming, food safety, school nutrition programs, rural development, conservation, and international agricultural trade.

Her Vision and Challenges

Rollins has made it clear that her priorities include:

• Supporting America’s farmers and ranchers in a changing global market.
• Revitalizing rural communities with better infrastructure, internet access, and opportunities.
• Strengthening food security to ensure safe, affordable, and healthy food for all Americans.

But she also faces tough challenges. A major USDA reorganization is underway, with more than 15,000 employees accepting voluntary resignations as part of President Trump’s push to reshape federal agencies. Rollins has promised that the department will continue to deliver critical services while modernizing its structure.

Why It Matters

The Secretary of Agriculture may not always be in the headlines, but the role is vital. From the lunch served in your child’s school cafeteria to the meat you buy at the grocery store, the USDA has a hand in it all. Rollins’ leadership will help shape the future of American farming, food safety, and rural life for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Brooke Rollins’ journey from rural Texas to the top of the USDA is a story of persistence, leadership, and dedication to public service. As she steps into her new role, the big question is how she will balance tradition and innovation to keep America’s food system strong.

One thing is certain: her decisions will impact farmers, families, and communities across the nation every day.