WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins outlined a series of initiatives last week, reaffirming the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) commitment to rural energy advancement, parental rights in education, and enhancing agricultural trade opportunities. These measures underscore the Trump Administration’s focus on boosting energy independence, protecting family values, and strengthening America’s position in global markets.
Rural Energy Programs Realigned with U.S. Energy Priorities
On Tuesday, March 25, USDA announced the release of previously allocated funds under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), Empowering Rural America (New ERA), and Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) programs. The funds, which were paused for reevaluation, are now available for recipients to revise their proposals in alignment with President Trump’s Unleashing American Energy Executive Order, issued January 20, 2025.
This review provides rural energy providers and small businesses a window to modify projects aimed at advancing domestic energy production while eliminating diversity, equity, inclusion, and climate-oriented mandates tied to earlier approval processes.
“President Trump made tackling America’s energy emergency a top priority from day one, and this review allows rural energy providers and small businesses to realign their projects with that mission,” stated Secretary Rollins. “We’re ensuring these investments support U.S. energy production while putting America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural businesses first.”
These adjustments aim to redirect funds to tackle immediate energy needs in rural communities and move away from the policies tied to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), described by the Secretary as overly bureaucratic with limited benefits for rural America.
Support for Federal FERPA Investigations and Parental Rights
On Thursday, March 27, Secretary Rollins announced that the USDA would assist the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) investigation into alleged violations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) by the California Department of Education. FERPA grants parents the right to access their children’s educational records, a provision reportedly undermined by a California law prohibiting disclosure of gender identity changes to parents.
“This is to inform you that the United States Department of Agriculture is undertaking a review of its research and other education-related funding in California for compliance with the Constitution, federal laws including Titles VI and IX, and the priorities of the Trump Administration,” Rollins stated in a letter to California Governor Gavin Newsom.
The USDA’s involvement highlights the broader Administration effort to protect parental rights and hold federally funded entities accountable. Rollins emphasized, “We will vigorously protect parents’ rights and ensure that students do not fall victim to a radical transgender ideology that often leads to family alienation and irreversible medical interventions.”
This stance by the Secretary echoes the Administration’s broader policies reinforcing federal preeminence over state laws in education and privacy matters.
Aggressive International Trade Agenda to Support Farmers
On Friday, March 28, Secretary Rollins detailed an ambitious international trade agenda to expand market opportunities for American agricultural exports. Speaking in Washington, D.C., Rollins announced plans to visit six significant markets—Vietnam, Japan, India, Peru, Brazil, and the United Kingdom—with the goal of diversifying export destinations and reducing trade imbalances.
At a time when the agricultural trade deficit neared $50 billion, the Secretary’s mission is to promote U.S. agriculture and hold trading partners accountable for ensuring fair trade practices. “President Trump has the backs of our farmers and ranchers,” Rollins said. “USDA remains committed to expanding market access around the world.”
Each target market offers unique challenges and opportunities, from reducing tariff barriers in the U.K. and exploring trade agreements with Vietnam to strengthening the U.S. position in key Japanese commodity categories.
The USDA will also focus on newer agricultural export markets in regions like South America and Africa, reinforcing the Administration’s commitment to leveling the playing field for U.S. producers on the global stage.
Looking Ahead
The USDA’s announcements signal a significant shift in its policy priorities, with a renewed focus on energy independence, protecting the rights of American families, and bolstering agricultural trade. By aligning federal initiatives with the Administration’s “America First” values, Secretary Rollins aims to foster greater prosperity for rural communities and position American producers for lasting global competitiveness.
With the groundwork laid for these initiatives, the USDA is set to play a pivotal role in addressing energy needs, safeguarding parental rights, and enhancing agricultural exports, offering a path forward for farmers, rural businesses, and families across the nation.
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