Newly sworn-in U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced sweeping reforms at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, targeting contracts, personnel, employee training, and DEI programs to cut spending.
Rollins also sent a notice to state leaders encouraging them to participate in pilot programs to reform the food stamp program (SNAP). In particular, she outlined the principles of the reform, such as establishing stronger labor requirements.
Rollins Takes the Helm at USDA
Rollins was sworn in as the 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture on Feb. 13 by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. The Senate confirmed her appointment in a 72-28 vote.
“It is the honor of a lifetime to serve as the nation’s thirty-third Secretary of Agriculture,” Rollins said. “Every day, I will fight for American farmers, ranchers, and the agriculture community.”
USDA Cuts Contracts to Reduce Spending
USDA immediately initiated cost-cutting measures, terminating 78 contracts worth more than $132 million. Over 1,000 additional contracts are under review for possible termination. Among the canceled agreements are:
- $2.77 million for media contracts, including Politico subscriptions
- $374,000 for a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Onboarding Specialist
- $298,000 for International Development for Historically Underrepresented Communities
- $229,000 for a Brazilian Forest and Gender Consultant
- $33,000 for a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle Utility Van
These reductions are part of a broader effort to eliminate unnecessary expenses and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently.
DEI Programs and Employee Training Eliminated
The USDA Secretary has also rescinded all DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) programs, shifting the department’s focus to merit-based hiring and unity.
“As we move forward, we will prioritize efficiency and fairness,” she said. USDA has already canceled 948 employee training programs, including 758 focused on DEI and others related to environmental justice and gender ideology.
Related Article: U.S.-Mexico Tariffs Paused for One Month Amid Agreement
USDA Workforce Optimization Plans
A key component of Rollins’ reform agenda is restructuring USDA’s workforce. The department is eliminating unnecessary positions, requiring employees to return to the office, and relocating staff from Washington, D.C., to rural communities.
“This is just the beginning,” Rollins said. “We will continue reviewing thousands of contracts, grants, and agreements to ensure every dollar is used to serve the people, not bureaucracy.”
A New Era for the USDA
Rollins emphasized her commitment to fulfilling President Donald Trump’s directive to make USDA more efficient and responsive to the needs of American farmers and ranchers.
“Our goal is to ensure that U.S. agriculture remains the best in the world for generations to come,” she said.
Over the coming weeks, Rollins will continue evaluating USDA programs and implementing cost-cutting measures to revitalize rural America.