In the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has focused on reversing the previous administration's initiatives. Secretary Rollins has emphasized prioritizing American farmers by canceling over 3,600 contracts and grants, reportedly saving more than $5.5 billion.
"It is absurd that while the Biden Administration was driving up inflation, American taxpayers were forced to fund billions in woke DEI initiatives. American farmers and ranchers don’t need DEI, they need reduced regulations and an Administration that is actively putting them first. In the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, USDA has done exactly that, by cancelling over 3,600 contracts and grants saving more than $5.5 billion. I look forward to finishing our work of cleaning out Biden’s bureaucratic basement and moving forward with this Administration’s priorities that put American farmers first,” said Secretary Rollins.
Secretary Rollins initiated the rescission of all DEI programs and celebrations on her first day in office. She shifted the USDA's focus towards unity, equality, meritocracy, and color-blind policies. The department is reviewing the Inflation Reduction Act funding to ensure that it aligns with the goal of supporting farmers and ranchers, instead of DEI or left-leaning climate initiatives. Since January 20th, a review of contracts, personnel, employee trainings, and DEI programs has led to the termination of 597 grants amounting to over $3.45 billion and more than 3,000 contracts totaling $1.8 billion. More than 1,000 employee trainings, including a significant number focused on DEI, have also been canceled as part of this effort.
Per President Trump's directives, Secretary Rollins is spearheading a new phase for the USDA to ensure its efficiency and innovation. As part of this mission, Rollins sent a letter to Maine Governor Janet Mills to pause and review federal funding due to the state's non-compliance with Title IX. A similar review is underway for California's funding for research and education, as communicated in a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom.
