In a contentious confirmation hearing on Thursday, Brooke Rollins, President Donald Trump’s nominee to head the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), expressed support for policies that raised concerns among food justice advocates and agricultural groups. The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry questioned Rollins on a range of issues, including mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, stricter work requirements for federal food aid, and her endorsement of a controversial bill aimed at protecting corporate interests in the agriculture sector.
Rollins, who grew up on a Texas farm and holds a degree in agricultural development from Texas A&M University, has largely moved away from agriculture in her career. Her experience includes serving under Governor Rick Perry and working in the Trump White House, where she co-founded the America First Policy Institute. Despite her background, critics argue that her professional journey does not align with the needs of U.S. farmers and families struggling with food insecurity.
One of the most contentious aspects of Rollins’ testimony was her backing of the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act, a bill that seeks to prevent states from passing laws regulating agricultural products based on animal welfare standards. Specifically, the EATS Act would repeal California’s Proposition 12, which bans the sale of pork, veal, or eggs from animals confined in cruel conditions. The bill is backed by major agribusiness lobby groups, including the National Pork Producers Council and the Farm Bureau.
“Rollins is ready to bow to corporate interests on day one,” said Rebecca Wolf, senior food policy analyst at Food & Water Watch. “This bill, if passed, would exacerbate the consolidation of power within the agriculture sector, placing profits over the welfare of consumers, animals, and the environment.”
Rollins’ stance on mass deportations also sparked concern. During the hearing, Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) pointed out that undocumented immigrants make up around 40% of U.S. farmworkers, and questioned how the Trump administration’s deportation plans would impact the agricultural workforce. Rollins voiced her support for mass deportations, stating that she would help President Trump deploy his agenda effectively while also defending farmers. Critics argue that such policies could cripple the agricultural sector, which relies heavily on undocumented labour.
Another key area of debate was the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the federal food assistance programme. Rollins indicated that she supported stricter work requirements for recipients of SNAP benefits, a stance that has already been a point of contention in Congress. Advocates for food justice worry that such policies would push vulnerable families further into poverty and hunger.
“The Trump administration’s push for stricter work requirements on food aid does nothing to address the root causes of hunger,” said Nichelle Harriott, policy director at the HEAL Food Alliance. “Instead of supporting families, it punishes them for being in need.”
In addition to her controversial stance on food aid and immigration, Rollins’ track record on climate change has raised red flags. In 2018, she publicly dismissed research linking CO2 emissions to climate change, a viewpoint considered extreme even within the Trump administration. Her marriage to the president of an oil exploration company has also led to concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
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Advocates for sustainable agriculture and food justice have expressed concern about Rollins’ lack of experience in the agricultural policy field. Karen Perry Stillerman, director at the Union of Concerned Scientists, highlighted that Rollins’ career has focused on corporate and political interests rather than the needs of farmers or the broader food system. “Rollins’ nomination is a serious setback for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities already facing significant challenges,” Stillerman said.
In the wake of the hearing, food and agriculture groups called for leadership that prioritises the needs of small farmers, farmworkers, and families over corporate interests. “Our food system is broken, and we need a USDA that will address the real challenges facing our farmers and communities,” said Harriott. “Unfortunately, Rollins’ nomination suggests that the Trump administration will continue prioritising corporate profits over the well-being of those who feed our country.”
As Rollins awaits confirmation, her nomination remains highly contentious. Should she be confirmed, food justice advocates are calling on her to focus on supporting small farms, ensuring protections for food and farmworkers, and safeguarding vital nutrition programs like SNAP to reduce hunger nationwide.
