What Happened to Brooke Leslie Rollins?

Brooke Leslie Rollins, born April 10, 1972, in Glen Rose, Texas, has a career deeply rooted in conservative policy and public service, particularly within the agricultural and political spheres. Her early life on a farm and involvement in organizations like 4-H and Future Farmers of America shaped her agricultural background. She was notably the first woman to be elected student body president at Texas A&M University, where she earned a B.S. in agricultural development in 1994, and later obtained a Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law.

Rollins began her career as a commercial litigator and clerked for a U.S. Federal District Court Judge before transitioning into public policy. She served as deputy general counsel, ethics advisor, and policy director for Texas Governor Rick Perry, managing a wide array of state policy issues. From 2003 to 2018, Rollins led the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), a conservative think tank, elevating its influence to a national level.

Her prominence grew significantly during the first Trump administration, where she served as Director of the Office of American Innovation from 2018 to 2020, working alongside Jared Kushner. In May 2020, she was named acting director of the United States Domestic Policy Council, where she focused on bipartisan solutions for issues such as the murder of George Floyd.

Following the first Trump administration, Rollins co-founded the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) in 2021 with Larry Kudlow, serving as its President and CEO until March 2025. AFPI became a significant conservative think tank dedicated to advancing former President Trump's policy agenda and planning for a potential second administration.

On November 23, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Rollins to serve as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Her nomination was supported by numerous agricultural and conservative groups. She was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on February 13, 2025, by a 72–28 vote, becoming the 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and the second woman to hold the position. Rollins was sworn into office on the same day by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

As Secretary of Agriculture, Rollins has outlined a vision focused on deregulation, expanding international markets for American agricultural exports, and prioritizing American producers. She has announced initiatives such as an aggressive international travel agenda to boost exports and the 'Great American Farmers Market' on the National Mall. In March 2026, she launched a national public awareness campaign for a new, voluntary 'Product of USA' labeling standard for meat, poultry, and eggs, which became effective January 1, 2026. Rollins continues to be an active voice for conservative agricultural policy, including discussing the finalization of the Renewable Fuel Standard's next phase. She is also a confirmed speaker for CPAC USA 2026 and the 2026 Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo, demonstrating her ongoing engagement in conservative and agricultural forums.