Brooke Rollins

Brooke Leslie Rollins, born April 10 1972, is an American attorney and public servant who has served as the United States Secretary of Agriculture since February 2025. A native of Texas, she spent her early years on a family farm before pursuing higher education in agricultural development and law. Over the past two decades, Rollins has held senior positions in state government, national think tanks, and the White House, culminating in her appointment to one of the country’s most influential cabinet roles.

Early life and career

Rollins entered the world as Brooke Christine Leslie in Glen Rose, Texas, a small community situated outside Fort Worth. Her upbringing on a farm instilled an early familiarity with agricultural issues that would later shape her professional trajectory. While attending Glen Rose High School, she became active in Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4‑H, eventually serving as a state officer for the Texas FFA Association.

After high school, Rollins enrolled at Texas A&M University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural development in 1994. During her time on campus, she broke several gender barriers: she was the first woman elected student body president and also served as speaker pro tempore of the Student Senate, chair of the Judicial Court, counselor for Fish Camp, and Cotton Bowl Classic Queen. In 2007, she became the first female speaker at the College Station Aggie Muster, an event that honors deceased Texas A&M alumni.

Rollins continued her education at the University of Texas School of Law, graduating with honors after earning a Juris Doctor degree. She began her legal career as a commercial litigator for Hughes & Luce LLP in Dallas and later clerked for U.S. Federal District Court Judge Barbara M. Lynn of the Northern District of Texas.

Her public service commenced under Texas Governor Rick Perry, where she held multiple roles including deputy general counsel, ethics advisor, and policy director. In 2003, Wendy Gramm—professor at Texas A&M and wife of former U.S. Senator Phil Gramm—appointed Rollins to lead the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF). As president and CEO until 2018, she expanded the organization from a three‑person staff to one with a hundred employees. TPPF’s policy agenda under her stewardship included advocacy for ending agricultural subsidies for farmers and opposition to ethanol mandates in fuels. Her influence was recognized in 2011 when Texas Monthly listed her among the state’s 25 most powerful Texans.

Cabinet tenure

#### Nomination and confirmation

On November 23 2024, President‑elect Donald Trump nominated Rollins to serve as Secretary of Agriculture. She appeared before the Senate Agriculture Committee on January 23 2025, where she received support from a broad coalition of agricultural and industry groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Forest & Paper Association, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, International Fresh Produce Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Mining Association, and the Independent Women’s Forum. The committee advanced her nomination by unanimous vote on February 3 2025. On February 13 2025, the full Senate confirmed Rollins with a 72–28 vote. She was sworn in that same day by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, becoming the 33rd individual to hold the office and the second woman ever to serve as Secretary of Agriculture after Ann Veneman.

#### Early actions

Rollins’ tenure began amid a period of transition for the Department of Agriculture. While specific policy initiatives she has undertaken are not detailed in the available sources, her background suggests an emphasis on aligning agricultural policy with broader economic and regulatory frameworks that have characterized her previous roles. As Secretary, she is responsible for overseeing federal programs related to crop production, food safety, rural development, and conservation.

Legacy

Rollins’ career reflects a consistent trajectory of leadership across legal practice, state government, think‑tank advocacy, and national policy formulation. Her early work in Texas politics and her stewardship of the Texas Public Policy Foundation positioned her as a prominent figure in conservative policy circles, particularly on issues related to agriculture and energy. In the federal arena, she played key roles during both Trump administrations—directing the Office of American Innovation and serving as acting director of the Domestic Policy Council—where she was involved in legislative initiatives such as the First Step Act.

Her appointment as Secretary of Agriculture marks a continuation of her long‑standing engagement with agricultural policy. By stepping into this cabinet position, Rollins has become part of a lineage of officials who shape national priorities for food production, rural economies, and environmental stewardship. Her service also contributes to increasing female representation in high‑level federal positions, following the precedent set by Ann Veneman.

Beyond her official duties, Rollins’ involvement in founding the America First Policy Institute and leading coalitions such as Save America demonstrates a sustained commitment to influencing public policy through both governmental and non‑governmental channels. Her career exemplifies how expertise in law, policy analysis, and advocacy can translate into executive leadership within the federal government.

In sum, Brooke Leslie Rollins’ professional journey—from farm life in Glen Rose to the halls of the U.S. Department of Agriculture—illustrates a blend of legal acumen, strategic policy development, and public service that has positioned her as a significant figure in contemporary American governance.