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
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
Congressional leaders signal momentum toward expanded, targeted farm aid to help producers manage losses and cash-flow stress in 2026.
EXCLUSIVE: Texas Lawmakers Weigh USMCA’s Relevance and What Renegotiation Could Mean for Agriculture
RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey speaks with Texas’s Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Vicente Gonzalez about USMCA renegotiation and its impact on U.S.–Mexico agriculture trade.
The proposal signals a renewed push to offset tariff-driven losses, stabilize nutrition programs, and broaden eligibility for farm aid, though its path forward will depend on congressional negotiations.
Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana discusses how the Affordable Homes Act will benefit rural communities, and her broader efforts to improve access to affordable housing.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig discusses market conditions, policy priorities, and his outlook for agriculture moving forward.
