Donald Trump has chosen Brooke Rollins to lead the Agriculture Department, completing his cabinet picks for the new administration.
Rollins, a close ally of Trump, is the head of the America First Policy Institute, a pro-Trump think tank. Trump announced her nomination on Saturday, calling her a strong advocate for farmers and saying she will protect those he described as “the backbone of our country,” according to BBC reports.
Rollins grew up on a farm and was active in agricultural clubs like Future Farmers of America. She later studied agriculture at Texas A&M University and worked as a lawyer. She also served in Trump’s first administration, holding key roles in domestic policy and innovation.
If confirmed, Rollins will manage programs that impact farmers, food safety, and federal nutrition efforts. She’ll also play a major role in renegotiating trade deals with Canada and Mexico.
This nomination ends a whirlwind of appointments for Trump’s cabinet, a group of 15 leaders overseeing federal agencies. BBC notes that Trump’s choices have included a mix of loyal supporters and controversial figures.
For instance, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has faced criticism for his views on vaccines, was chosen to lead the Health Department. Meanwhile, Matt Gaetz withdrew his nomination for attorney general after allegations of misconduct, which he denies, caused backlash.
Other picks, like Pete Hegseth for defense secretary and Linda McMahon for education secretary, have also sparked debate due to past controversies and questions about their qualifications.
Despite these challenges, Trump’s cabinet is now fully nominated, but all picks must still be approved by the Senate.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c629vn5j836o