Trump spokeswoman says announcement will be made soon
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Add outgoing USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to some of those in private U.S. agriculture, including always anxious farm group lobbyists, who in recent weeks have noted their anxiety as to why it has taken so long for President-elect Donald Trump to nominate Vilsack’s replacement, despite rural (not just farmer) voters being a big part of why Trump bested Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton for the presidency.
Vilsack, during a visit to the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday, said that the absence of an Agriculture Secretary pick so late in the Cabinet-selection process reflects a “lack of appreciation” for what his agency does. It is among the last Cabinet-level posts to be filled. “Why is that the last one?” Vilsack asked.
A spokeswoman for Trump said an announcement will be made soon. “The future growth of the U.S. agriculture sector is of critical importance to President-elect Trump, which is why he is taking time to meet with experts and interview many highly qualified individuals.”
Vilsack’s tentative last day is reportedly Friday, January 13.
Comments: Vilsack is departing and being at the head of USDA it is probably logical that he did not want to see his USDA post being the last Cabinet spot to be announced. But watching USDA selections over the past four decades leads us to conclude that those in agriculture so anxious about the lack of announcement should spend their time on other things. An announcement will eventually be made. Congress looks like it will take longer than expected to have a few of Trump’s already announced Cabinet selections go through their nomination hearings.
Vilsack, who was announced as President Barack Obama’s USDA selection in mid-December 2008, had a rocky first year and a half in the USDA post (remember his firing on July 19, 2010 of Shirley Sherrod?), eventually becoming a well-respected Cabinet member who would have had a very high-level position in any Clinton administration. But that was not meant to be.
Trump’s spokeswoman’s remarks about why the president-elect is taking so long should at least temper some of the emotional remarks on this matter to date. Seasoned career personnel at USDA can easily get by for now. And even when the USDA leader is named, other important selections including Deputy and Undersecretaries will also be critical for the eventual unfolding of Trump’s USDA. Let’s hope the worriers in the agriculture sector do not fret about the timing of those coming announcements as much as they have the top USDA spot. Chill out those of you who are fretting. The USDA announcement is coming… soon… Washington’s favorite word.
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