Confirmation hearings for Trump’s cabinet picks start today

Senate Committees are full speed ahead with confirmation hearings beginning today for President-elect Trump’s cabinet picks.

Senator Chuck Grassley recently met with Trump’s pick to lead USDA, and says he urged Brooke Rollins to focus on new trade agreements.

“And I would suggest continuing where Trump left off, with starting negotiations with African countries, specifically with Kenya, where they were starting out. And then, the extent to which they can continue to negotiate with the United Kingdom.”

A handful of nominees will begin the confirmation process this week. The Senate Legislative calendar does not have a hearing set for Rollins.

Related Stories
As the Trump Administration seeks out new global trade partnerships, Congress is considering more support for farmers, which comes as the Federal Reserve warns that farmers need a safety net.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins will travel to Europe and Asia to seek new trade partnerships for U.S. crops after China reduced imports due to tariffs.
Tom Peterson with the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association says taxpayers are “unfortunate casualties” of this overlay now that the Mexican wolf population is stable under ESA guidelines.
The amendments affect BLM lands in several Western states. Comments on the Sage grouse proposals can be made to the BLM National NEPA Register until Oct. 3.
Mike Formica with the National Pork Producers Council joined us on Market Day Report with his reaction to the EPA’s rollback of a Biden-era wastewater discharge mitigation plan.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer explains the USDA’s Stage Two Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, including application details, deadlines, and guidance for rural producers.
CattleCon 2026 kicks off February 3 in Nashville. Kristin Torres with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association joined RFD-TV to share more about what’s ahead at this year’s event.
Farmland values remain stable, but weakened credit conditions and lower expected farm income signal tighter financial margins heading into 2026.
The White House is now preparing to restore an Endangered Species Act (ESA) rule from the first Trump Administration.