BEDMINSTER, N.J. – President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Brooke Rollins, president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, to lead the Department of Agriculture, a crucial federal agency with nearly 100,000 employees under its purview.

Rollins, who previously served as the director of the Domestic Policy Council during the first Trump administration, brings a wealth of experience in conservative politics. With a background in agriculture and a law degree, Rollins is well-equipped to oversee the USDA, impacting programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

As the second woman to head the department, following Ann Veneman during the Bush administration, Rollins will navigate a complex landscape of agricultural subsidies, rural development programs, and vital nutrition assistance initiatives. With a focus on streamlining federal bureaucracy and implementing trade policies, Rollins faces the dual challenge of supporting farmers while advancing Trump’s policy agenda.

During her tenure as assistant to the president for intergovernmental and technology initiatives, Rollins played a key role in shaping policy decisions that impacted various sectors of the economy. Her leadership will be critical in addressing the repercussions of Trump’s trade disputes, including retaliatory tariffs that affected U.S. agricultural exports.

Additionally, Rollins will oversee the distribution of agricultural subsidies, financial assistance for farmers, and federal programs supporting rural communities. This role places her at the forefront of efforts to address the impacts of the trade war and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on American agriculture.

Looking ahead, Rollins may play a pivotal role in the reauthorization of the Farm Bill, a significant piece of legislation designed to provide essential safety nets, rural development programs, and nutrition assistance. With millions of Americans relying on programs like SNAP and WIC, any changes to these safety-net programs will have far-reaching implications for food security and nutrition access.

Overall, Rollins’ appointment signals a strategic move by the incoming administration to steer agricultural policy in alignment with Trump’s priorities. As she takes the helm at the USDA, Rollins will face the challenges of balancing support for farmers with fulfilling broader policy objectives in the agricultural sector.