Brooke Rollins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brooke Rollins
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Official portrait, 2019
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| 33rd United States Secretary of Agriculture | |
| Assumed office February 13, 2025 |
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| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Tom Vilsack |
| Director of the Domestic Policy Council | |
| Acting May 24, 2020 – January 20, 2021 |
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| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Joe Grogan |
| Succeeded by | Susan Rice |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 10, 1972 Glen Rose, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Mark Rollins |
| Children | 4 |
| Relatives | Helen Kerwin (mother) |
| Education | Texas A&M University (BS) University of Texas at Austin (JD) |
Brooke Leslie Rollins (born April 10, 1972) is an American lawyer and government advisor. She is currently the 33rd United States Secretary of Agriculture, starting in February 2025.
Before this, Rollins worked for Texas Governor Rick Perry. She also led a group called the Texas Public Policy Foundation. This group focuses on conservative ideas. Rollins is known for supporting changes to the justice system. She also worked in the White House for President Donald Trump.
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Early Life and Education
Brooke Rollins was born on April 10, 1972, in Glen Rose, Texas. She grew up on a farm. Her mother, Helen Kerwin, was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2024.
Rollins went to Texas A&M University. She earned a degree in agricultural development in 1994. While there, she made history as the first woman to be elected student body president. She also held other important student leadership roles. In 2007, she was the first female speaker at the College Station Aggie Muster. This event honors former Texas A&M students who have passed away.
After Texas A&M, Rollins studied law at the University of Texas School of Law. She graduated with honors.
Career Highlights
After law school, Rollins worked as a lawyer in Dallas. She also worked for a federal judge. Later, she became a deputy lawyer and policy advisor for Texas Governor Rick Perry.
From 2003 to 2018, Rollins was the president and CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation. This group is a "think tank" that develops policy ideas. Under her leadership, the foundation grew a lot. It went from having only three staff members to 100. In 2011, Texas Monthly magazine called her one of the 25 most powerful people in Texas.
Working with President Trump
Office of American Innovation
In 2018, Rollins joined President Trump's team. She worked in the Office of American Innovation. This office looked for new ways to improve government and technology.
Rollins played a big part in creating the First Step Act. This law aimed to make changes to the prison system. It also worked to help people avoid returning to prison after they are released. President Trump signed this law in December 2018.
Domestic Policy Council
In May 2020, President Trump named Rollins as the acting director of the United States Domestic Policy Council. This council helps the President with ideas for policies within the country.
Rollins spoke about bringing people together. She said the U.S. was "a nation in mourning" after the death of George Floyd. She believed the country could overcome difficulties. She said the White House was looking for "bipartisan" (meaning both political parties working together) solutions.
President Trump signed an order to improve law enforcement. Rollins helped create this order. It was made with input from police, mayors, and community leaders.
After the First Trump Administration
After President Trump's first term ended, Rollins helped start a new group. This group, called the America First Policy Institute, began in 2021. Its goal is to continue promoting the policies from Trump's time in office. Rollins is its president and CEO.
Rollins also helps lead the Save America Coalition. This group was started in 2021 to oppose some of President Joe Biden's economic plans.
Secretary of Agriculture (2025–present)
Nomination and Confirmation
On November 23, 2024, President-elect Trump announced he planned to choose Rollins for Secretary of Agriculture. She is the second woman to hold this important job, after Ann Veneman.
Rollins spoke to the United States Senate Committee on Agriculture in January 2025. The committee approved her nomination. On February 13, 2025, the Senate voted to confirm her. She was approved by a vote of 72 to 28.
Time in Office
On February 13, 2025, Rollins officially became the 33rd United States Secretary of Agriculture. Associate Justice Clarence Thomas swore her into office.
Political Beliefs
Brooke Rollins strongly supports criminal justice reform. This means she believes in making changes to how the justice system works.
Personal Life
Rollins is married to her husband, Mark. They have four children together.
See also
In Spanish: Brooke Rollins para niños
- Political appointments by Donald Trump in his second term
