President Trump appoints Gary Washington as acting Ag Secretary

In a series of announcements, President Donald Trump has named Gary Washington as the acting Secretary of Agriculture.

Washington was selected as the USDA Chief Information Officer in February 2018. His appointment comes as Brooke Rollins awaits Senate confirmation for the role, with her hearing scheduled for Thursday in the Senate Agriculture Committee.

In addition, the President has announced James Payne will temporarily lead the EPA, and Juan Millan will serve as the acting Ambassador of Trade in the U.S. Trade Representative’s office.

Related Stories
USDA’s July WASDE report projects the smallest U.S. wheat crop since 1970, tighter corn stocks, stronger soybean exports, larger cotton supplies, and higher cattle prices.
Attention now shifts toward the annual 25 million metric ton benchmark, equal to about 919 million bushels, for 2026 through 2028.
New revenue protection coverage will be available in select counties across 12 states beginning with the 2027 crop year.
The Bureau of Land Management says the adoption event is part of a broader effort to manage herd populations and protect western rangelands.