Brooke Rollins

Brooke Leslie Rollins, born on April 10, 1972, has established a significant career at the intersection of law, policy, and public service. Her early professional life was marked by a deep engagement with conservative policy principles. She served in key advisory roles for Texas Governor Rick Perry, including as deputy general counsel, ethics advisor, and policy director.

These positions provided her with invaluable experience in the practical application of governance and the intricacies of state-level policy-making. Her work involved navigating complex legal frameworks and advising on ethical considerations, laying the groundwork for her later national influence. This period was crucial in shaping her understanding of how policy impacts citizens and the economy.

From 2003 to 2018, Rollins was the driving force behind the Texas Public Policy Foundation, an influential conservative think tank. As its leader, she was instrumental in shaping the organization's research agenda and its impact on public discourse. Think tanks like this play a vital role in a democracy by providing research-backed analysis and policy recommendations to lawmakers and the public.

Under her stewardship, the foundation likely focused on issues ranging from economic growth and fiscal responsibility to individual liberty and limited government. Her 15-year tenure signifies a deep commitment to advancing a particular set of policy ideas and building a robust intellectual infrastructure to support them.

Rollins' career trajectory then moved towards national policy development. From 2018 to 2020, she directed the Office of American Innovation, a role that suggests a focus on forward-thinking strategies and economic competitiveness. Subsequently, she served as the acting director of the United States Domestic Policy Council during Donald Trump's first presidency.

This position placed her at the heart of the White House's policy-making apparatus, overseeing the development and implementation of a wide array of domestic initiatives. Her involvement in these high-level roles demonstrates a capacity to operate within the federal government and contribute to presidential policy agendas.

Following her time in the White House, Rollins continued her work in policy advocacy by co-founding the America First Policy Institute in 2021 with Larry Kudlow. This organization aimed to develop policy proposals for a potential second Trump administration, further solidifying her role as a key strategist within conservative circles. She served as its President and CEO until March 2025.

Her extensive experience in policy development and leadership culminated in her nomination by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the 33rd United States Secretary of Agriculture. The U.S. Senate's confirmation on February 13, 2025, by a 72–28 vote, underscores the significant support she garnered for this critical cabinet position, tasked with overseeing the nation's agricultural sector, food supply, and rural development.