WASHINGTON, D.C. — On February 13, Brooke Rollins was formally sworn in as the 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Associate Justice Clarence Thomas of the U.S. Supreme Court officiated the private ceremony held at the Supreme Court Building. Rollins, confirmed by the Senate with a decisive 72-28 vote, vowed to dedicate her leadership to revitalizing rural America and supporting the nation’s farmers, ranchers, and the wider agricultural community.
“It is the honor of a lifetime to serve as the nation’s thirty-third Secretary of Agriculture,” Rollins remarked, affirming her commitment to advancing President Donald J. Trump’s policy agenda. “Every day, I will fight for American farmers, ranchers, and the agriculture community. Together, we have the opportunity to ensure U.S. agriculture remains the best in the world for generations to come.”
President Trump praised Rollins upon nominating her, citing her dedication to American food self-sufficiency and her mission to rebuild agriculture-dependent communities.
Opening Remarks at USDA Headquarters
On her first full day in office, February 14, Secretary Rollins addressed more than 400 USDA employees, stakeholders, and members of Congress during a session held at USDA headquarters. Her remarks outlined her vision for rebuilding the Department’s commitment to its founding mission—supporting farmers, ranchers, and American agriculture.
Rollins emphasized the pivotal role of agriculture in the nation’s history, declaring, “We defend a way of life and the constitutive foundation of American liberty in ways no other federal department does.” She called for a sharp redirection of the Department, away from administrative excess and divisive policies, toward efficiency, unity, and a laser focus on agricultural prosperity.
Rollins urged her team to embody the ethos of stewardship and service, highlighting the acute challenges currently facing the agricultural sector, including economic pressures, labor shortages, and volatile markets. “We will work with professionalism and patriotism to uphold the principles of service that define this Department,” she stated.
Bold Actions to Restructure and Refocus the USDA
Rollins wasted no time implementing significant reforms upon her arrival. On February 14, she announced a sweeping series of measures aimed at restoring fiscal discipline, improving efficiency, and redirecting the Department’s focus to its core mission.
- Termination of Wasteful Contracts and Initiatives
Acting swiftly, Rollins terminated 78 contracts valued at over $132 million. These contracts, many initiated under the previous administration, were found to include unnecessary expenditures such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, media subscriptions, and international consulting unrelated to USDA’s essential functions. Additionally, more than 1,000 contracts remain under review for potential termination as the Department seeks to eliminate programs that do not serve its core objectives. - Rescinding DEIA Programs and Policies
Rollins formally ended Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives within USDA, arguing they undermined unity and meritocracy. “At USDA, we will neither commemorate nor celebrate our immutable characteristics,” she asserted, “but instead will honor what makes us American—merit, faith, and liberty.” - Optimizing the Workforce
Rollins laid out plans to streamline USDA operations by relocating personnel to rural areas, eliminating non-essential positions, and requiring employees to return to in-person work. These efforts aim to align USDA’s operational model more closely with the communities it serves while increasing accountability and productivity. - Redefining Priorities to Serve Farmers and Ranchers
Under Rollins’ leadership, the Department pledged to strengthen food security, bolster resilience to agricultural challenges, and foster competitive markets that prioritize American farmers and ranchers. Additional efforts are underway to address avian flu, reduce food prices, and reform federal food assistance programs like SNAP to include stronger work requirements. - Partnerships with Innovation Advocates
Rollins is spearheading a “laboratories for innovation” initiative, inviting state governors to pilot new programs addressing local agricultural challenges. This collaborative effort seeks bold solutions to modernize farming practices and reinforce rural economies.
Vision for the USDA’s Future
Over the course of her tenure, Secretary Rollins promises a transformational approach to USDA operations. She envisions a Department rooted in efficiency, innovation, and unwavering service to the American people. Rollins plans to prioritize rural revitalization, reinforcing agricultural supply chains, and ensuring fair opportunities for all producers on both a national and global scale.
“This Department must return to its basic purpose, and we will make it so,” Rollins declared in her opening remarks. She underscored the importance of maintaining the United States’ global leadership in agriculture, describing this mission as both a professional obligation and a patriotic duty.
Looking Ahead
Secretary Rollins’ first day set a bold tone for her leadership, offering a decisive shift in priorities designed to strengthen USDA’s impact on rural livelihoods. Her strategy emphasizes fiscal responsibility, operational efficiency, and a renewed commitment to the American farmer.
As the USDA proceeds with additional contract reviews, policy implementations, and workforce realignments, Rollins’ leadership marks the beginning of a new chapter. Americans can expect initiatives that reflect both the heritage of the nation’s agricultural tradition and its future promise. The Secretary’s vision ensures that the USDA remains committed to upholding the values of fairness, merit, and unity that have long defined the backbone of American agriculture.
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