Brooke Rollins, a Texas native with extensive experience in public policy, has been nominated to serve as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture in the incoming second Trump administration. If confirmed, Rollins would bring a unique background to the position, including leadership experience as a former state officer in the National FFA Organization (FFA), a leading agricultural education group. She would become the first Secretary of Agriculture in U.S. history to have served as a state officer in the FFA, further highlighting her deep ties to agricultural education.
Rollins began her political career as the first female student body president at Texas A&M University, where she prioritized inclusivity and amplifying student voices. She described her campaign as focused on service and addressing student needs, rather than emphasizing her status as the first woman in the role. Her leadership during this time exemplified her commitment to public service and impactful leadership, setting the tone for her future career in public policy.
After graduating with a degree in Agricultural Development, Rollins continued to build her career in Texas state government. She served as Policy Director under Governor Rick Perry, where she managed natural resource policies critical to the agricultural sector. Rollins advocated for sustainable management practices while supporting free-market approaches and reducing government regulation in natural resource management.
As President and CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), Rollins further cemented her reputation as a strong advocate for free-market principles, often advocating for policies that could affect agricultural industries, such as reduced government oversight. She championed policies that promoted minimal government intervention, supporting industries such as fossil fuels while opposing certain climate-related regulations. Her stance on deregulation and limited government is consistent with traditional conservative economic views, which she continued to emphasize during her leadership at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI).
At AFPI, Rollins has been instrumental in shaping plans for a potential second Trump administration, though the organization maintains formal independence from the transition team. Her role has positioned her as a key figure in the development of strategies for Trump’s next term, aligning her with conservative priorities such as deregulation, tax cuts, and business-friendly policies.
Rollins has not publicly commented on her stance regarding tariffs, but her association with free-market proponents like Larry Kudlow suggests she likely favors minimal trade barriers. Her stance on tariffs is of particular interest to those in the agriculture sector, where trade agreements and barriers significantly impact U.S. farmers and ranchers. Despite her influence within the Republican Party, she has faced some skepticism from the nationalist-populist wing due to her moderate stances on issues such as criminal justice reform.
If confirmed, Rollins would be the first Secretary of Agriculture with experience as an FFA state officer, further underscoring the growing influence of agricultural education in shaping leadership within the sector.
The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a leading educational group focused on developing leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
The Texas FFA Organization was established in 1929, just one year after the National FFA Organization was founded. It has since become one of the largest and most influential state chapters, providing leadership development and agricultural education opportunities to students across Texas.
Rollins’ nomination has been met with positive responses from agricultural groups, who view her qualifications and leadership experience as beneficial to the future of American agriculture. Further coverage on industry reaction can be found here.
