The U.S. Forest Service’s initiatives to manage wildfires in California should remain unaffected by political considerations, stated Brooke Rollins, President Trump’s candidate for the head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, during her Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday.
In her responses to the Senate panel, Rollins recognized the potential impact of Trump’s proposals for mass deportations and tariffs on the agricultural sector. However, she pointed out that the president’s election indicates that these measures have public support.
Rollins, who has previously served in Trump’s administration, has been nominated to lead a vast agency overseeing various aspects, including farming, forestry, ranching, food safety, and nutrition. If she receives confirmation as agriculture secretary, she will be at the helm of the agency during a period when numerous farmers are experiencing significant declines in profits and when the Forest Service is engaged in battling a spate of wildfires across Southern California.
In light of Trump’s warning to withhold federal disaster relief from Los Angeles unless changes are made to the state’s water management practices, California Senator Adam Schiff questioned Rollins on her commitment to equitable resource allocation from the Forest Service. “Will the emergency resources to combat wildfires in blue states be the same as those in red states?” Schiff inquired.
Rollins assured that she would not endorse any form of discrimination among states, replying, “Absolutely, and it’s important to emphasize this: 100% yes. Witnessing the devastation in your beautiful state has been heartbreaking for all of us, regardless of our political affiliations.”
At 52, Rollins, a Texas attorney, previously served as domestic policy chief during Trump’s first term and currently leads the American First Policy Institute, a think tank that has been instrumental in outlining strategies for a potential second Trump presidency. She holds a degree in agricultural development from Texas A&M and a law degree from the University of Texas.
Schiff, along with other members of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, also inquired about the implications of Trump’s mass deportation policies. They highlighted that a considerable portion of workers in harvesting and dairy sectors could face potential deportation, leading to substantial labor shortages.
While Rollins expressed support for Trump’s agenda, she acknowledged the challenges it might pose for American farmers. She stated, “I stand by the president’s vision for secure borders and significant deportation, but I recognize it may create challenges for farmers in the U.S.”
While maintaining her support for the administration’s proposals, Rollins indicated that she would prioritize initiatives to attract more workers, advocating for improvements in temporary immigrant farm worker programs.
“I am committed to assisting President Trump in implementing his agenda effectively while ensuring that our nation’s farmers and ranchers are supported,” she remarked.
Both Republican and Democratic senators raised concerns about tariffs that Trump aims to impose. These tariffs are meant to motivate foreign investors and compel other nations to alter their policies. Colorado Senator Michael Bennet pointed out that farmers and ranchers foresee little chance of enhancing their economic situations without expanding their export markets. He urged Rollins to convey to Trump the risks posed by increasing tariffs to export potential.
In her response, Rollins stated her unwavering commitment to advocating for farmers and ranchers. “My responsibility is to represent, honor, and elevate our agriculture community within the Oval Office, ensuring that every forthcoming decision considers their needs forefront,” she stated.
