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.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Bioethanol is becoming a global standard. For growers, that boom comes as drops in Mississippi River levels and in soybean demand occur in tandem, leaving barge space for corn and wheat.
The government shutdown has touched nearly every sector of the ag industry since it began, and now impacts are spilling over into dairy.
With China halting U.S. soybean purchases and talks tied to broader strategic issues, growers face renewed export uncertainty.
Talks highlight the widening role of agriculture in U.S.–India trade policy, though neither side appears ready for major concessions before tariff issues and oil imports are resolved.
Southern farms are deepening online engagement for cost savings and market access, while higher-cost precision technologies face renewed scrutiny amid tight budgets.
Global trade teams and summit discussions highlight expanding opportunities for U.S. corn and ethanol exports as nations explore renewable fuel options and reduced-carbon energy pathways.