Potential Candidates for U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Under Trump 2.0
Source: DairyNews.today
As President Donald Trump prepares for a historic second term, speculation is mounting over who will be appointed as the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Several names have emerged as potential candidates for this key role in a new administration, including prominent figures from agriculture, politics, and industry.
Key Candidates
Abel Maldonado
A former California Lieutenant Governor, Maldonado has deep agricultural roots, having grown up working alongside his immigrant father in the fields. Though he was considered for the USDA Secretary role in 2017, he was not nominated. Maldonado now runs Runway Vineyards in Santa Maria, California, and remains a prominent figure in agriculture circles.
Zippy Duvall
Duvall, who has served as the President of the American Farm Bureau Federation since 2016, is a third-generation farmer from Georgia. He operates a diverse farming operation, producing beef cattle and broiler chickens, and has extensive experience advocating for farmers at the national level.
Kip Tom
Tom, an Indiana farmer and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture, transformed his family farm into one of the largest farming operations in the state. His experience in international agriculture policy gives him a unique perspective on U.S. agriculture’s global competitiveness.
Mike Conaway
Former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway, now a private consultant, is known for his expertise in farm bill negotiations and agricultural policy. Conaway is considered a seasoned leader who is aligned with Trump’s agricultural priorities, including reforms to food assistance programs.
Sid Miller
The Texas Agriculture Commissioner since 2015, Miller is a cattle rancher and farmer with strong political ties in the Lone Star State. Though his tenure has been marked by controversy, particularly over staff bonuses and political hires, his focus on water scarcity and support for Texas agriculture make him a notable contender.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.)
A staunch conservative, Massie has been mentioned as a long-shot candidate. Known for his rebellious stance in Congress, Massie’s outsider approach may appeal to Trump as the administration seeks fresh perspectives.
Ray Starling
Starling, currently the general counsel for the North Carolina Chamber, has a background in agricultural policy, having served as Chief of Staff to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. He also worked as a senior advisor to the President on agriculture, trade, and food assistance, and has strong ties to both the public and private sectors.
Ted McKinney
Former USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, McKinney is now the CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. His experience in both federal and state agriculture agencies, combined with his private sector experience, makes him a well-rounded candidate.
Gov. Doug Burgum (N.D.)
While his term ends in December, Burgum is being considered for several Cabinet positions. His experience as a governor and his brief presidential run against Trump make him a potential candidate for USDA Secretary, following the trend of governors being appointed to this position.
Other Key Roles in Trump’s Second Term
As Trump’s second term takes shape, attention is also on who will fill other critical roles, such as U.S. Trade Representative. Robert Lighthizer, who served as USTR during Trump’s first term, is a leading contender for a return to the position, although he has expressed interest in other economic roles like Commerce or Treasury Secretary.
Another key decision is the selection of Trump’s Chief of Staff. Prominent contenders include Brooke Rollins, a trusted Trump ally; Susie Wiles, who played a pivotal role in his 2024 campaign; and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, whose deep knowledge of Washington’s inner workings could prove invaluable.
Ultimately, the final selections for these high-profile positions will depend on a range of factors, including loyalty to Trump, the ability to navigate Washington politics, and alignment with his vision for a second term. The USDA Secretary, in particular, will play a crucial role in shaping U.S. agricultural policy in the coming years.
Abel Maldonado
A former California Lieutenant Governor, Maldonado has deep agricultural roots, having grown up working alongside his immigrant father in the fields. Though he was considered for the USDA Secretary role in 2017, he was not nominated. Maldonado now runs Runway Vineyards in Santa Maria, California, and remains a prominent figure in agriculture circles.
Zippy Duvall
Duvall, who has served as the President of the American Farm Bureau Federation since 2016, is a third-generation farmer from Georgia. He operates a diverse farming operation, producing beef cattle and broiler chickens, and has extensive experience advocating for farmers at the national level.
Kip Tom
Tom, an Indiana farmer and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture, transformed his family farm into one of the largest farming operations in the state. His experience in international agriculture policy gives him a unique perspective on U.S. agriculture’s global competitiveness.
Mike Conaway
Former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway, now a private consultant, is known for his expertise in farm bill negotiations and agricultural policy. Conaway is considered a seasoned leader who is aligned with Trump’s agricultural priorities, including reforms to food assistance programs.
Sid Miller
The Texas Agriculture Commissioner since 2015, Miller is a cattle rancher and farmer with strong political ties in the Lone Star State. Though his tenure has been marked by controversy, particularly over staff bonuses and political hires, his focus on water scarcity and support for Texas agriculture make him a notable contender.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.)
A staunch conservative, Massie has been mentioned as a long-shot candidate. Known for his rebellious stance in Congress, Massie’s outsider approach may appeal to Trump as the administration seeks fresh perspectives.
Ray Starling
Starling, currently the general counsel for the North Carolina Chamber, has a background in agricultural policy, having served as Chief of Staff to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. He also worked as a senior advisor to the President on agriculture, trade, and food assistance, and has strong ties to both the public and private sectors.
Ted McKinney
Former USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, McKinney is now the CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. His experience in both federal and state agriculture agencies, combined with his private sector experience, makes him a well-rounded candidate.
Gov. Doug Burgum (N.D.)
While his term ends in December, Burgum is being considered for several Cabinet positions. His experience as a governor and his brief presidential run against Trump make him a potential candidate for USDA Secretary, following the trend of governors being appointed to this position.
Other Key Roles in Trump’s Second Term
As Trump’s second term takes shape, attention is also on who will fill other critical roles, such as U.S. Trade Representative. Robert Lighthizer, who served as USTR during Trump’s first term, is a leading contender for a return to the position, although he has expressed interest in other economic roles like Commerce or Treasury Secretary.
Another key decision is the selection of Trump’s Chief of Staff. Prominent contenders include Brooke Rollins, a trusted Trump ally; Susie Wiles, who played a pivotal role in his 2024 campaign; and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, whose deep knowledge of Washington’s inner workings could prove invaluable.
Ultimately, the final selections for these high-profile positions will depend on a range of factors, including loyalty to Trump, the ability to navigate Washington politics, and alignment with his vision for a second term. The USDA Secretary, in particular, will play a crucial role in shaping U.S. agricultural policy in the coming years.
