Natasha Blakely, natasha.blakely@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Brooke Rollins to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
This confirmation comes amidst trade chaos as Donald Trump levies tariffs on China, grapples with retaliatory tariffs, and postpones his decision to impose tariffs on Mexico and Canada. All three countries are the U.S.’s largest agricultural trading partners.
Rollins previously held roles as President Trump’s domestic policy chief during his first term and deputy general counsel for former Texas Gov. Rick Perry. Rollins is one of the architects of President Trump’s tariff plan, has pushed heavily for mass deportation, and has publicly dismissed climate change concerns as hysteria.
In response, Athan Manuel, director of Sierra Club’s Lands Protection Program, released the following statement:
“Agriculture is the backbone of the U.S. economy, and it is currently facing a tumultuous period with a climate crisis, tariff battles, a labor shortage, and spreading bird flu concerns. The U.S. Department of Agriculture needs a strong and experienced leader who will advocate for U.S. farms, forests and food security, and see the country through this period. We will be watching to ensure that Secretary Rollins is up to the challenge, or if she will defer to corporate interests over the American farmer.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.