Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is excited about President-elect Donald Trump’s choice of Brooke Rollins for U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Reynolds described Rollins as a proactive and approachable leader with a strong connection to farming, thanks to her rural upbringing. She believes Rollins understands the global importance of agriculture and looks forward to working with her on issues like biofuels and Iowa’s role in feeding the world.
Reynolds also mentioned her previous collaboration with Rollins when she served as the acting director of the White House Domestic Policy Council during Trump’s first term.
Still, some critics question Rollins’ readiness for the role. They point to her background leading a conservative think tank and her work in domestic policy, saying it might not prepare her to handle agriculture’s complex issues, such as trade challenges and climate change. They worry her focus might lean more toward political goals than practical solutions for farmers and rural areas.
Senator Chuck Grassley, who will help review Rollins’ nomination, shared a positive outlook. He highlighted her work on criminal justice reform during Trump’s first term and plans to discuss her agriculture views before the Senate Agriculture Committee makes its decision.