Leads the Department of Agriculture (USDA), overseeing policies related to farming, food, and rural development.
- Agricultural Independence: Promoting policies to increase domestic food production and reduce reliance on imports.
- Rural Development: Implementing initiatives to improve infrastructure and economic opportunities in rural communities.
- MAHA Collaboration: Working with HHS on "Make America Healthy Again" goals related to food quality and agricultural standards.
- Border Closure to Cattle (July 2026): Defended keeping the U.S. border closed to Mexican cattle to prevent the New World screwworm from entering the country, resisting pressure from President Trump's rancher allies. Source: Politico, 2026-07-15
- Wildfire Grant Dispute (August 2026): Faced controversy as a fight over USDA immigration and diversity policies delayed $15 million in wildfire-prevention grants for an area in Washington state that subsequently became engulfed in blazes. Source: Politico, 2026-08-08
- Cyclospora Research Shelved (August 2026): Shelved three USDA cyclospora research projects amid funding cuts and staff/lab relocations, expected to hinder critical food safety research as public concern over food supply safety grows. Source: Politico, 2026-08-30
Confirmed
Data verified as of August 2026.