Brooke Rollins
Coverage of Brooke Rollins in the Nexus archive.
- Trump told agencies to ferret out ‘gender ideology extremism.’ The USDA found very little, new records show.
President Trump ordered federal agencies to identify and cancel contracts promoting 'gender ideology extremism' in 2025. The USDA found only about seven such contracts initially but later canceled additional funding, including a grant for 'food justice for trans people.' Critics questioned the USDA's limited findings, noting its historically conservative stance on gender and minority issues.
- Alaska’s persistently high SNAP payment errors top nation for fourth consecutive year
Alaska’s food assistance program had the highest SNAP payment error rate in the U.S. for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, with 23% of payments in error compared to a national average of 11%. The state attributes the errors to complex eligibility rules, manual processes, and workforce challenges, while implementing a modernization plan to improve accuracy by 2028. The error rate has declined from 25% in 2024 and over 55% in 2023 and 2022.
- Alaska’s persistently high SNAP payment errors top nation for fourth consecutive year
Alaska had the highest SNAP payment error rate in the U.S. for the fourth consecutive year, with 23% of payments in error in fiscal year 2025. The state attributes the issue to complex eligibility rules, manual processes, and workforce challenges, while a new federal policy could shift costs to states based on error rates.
- New error rate highlights risks for Massachusetts SNAP program
Massachusetts reported a 12.5% error rate for SNAP benefits in fiscal year 2025, exceeding the federal 6% threshold and potentially requiring the state to cover 5-15% of its SNAP costs starting October 1, 2027. The U.S. Department of Agriculture cited 'significant waste' and $10.1 billion in nationwide improper payments, while Massachusetts also addressed a $855,000 fraud scheme in its SUN Bucks program.
- Scoop: Trump backs MAHA in heated, "shocking" Oval Office fight on pesticides
Tensions erupted in an Oval Office meeting between President Trump, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, and farming representatives over an executive order promoting alternatives to conventional pesticides. The debate highlighted conflicting priorities: MAHA's push to reduce pesticide use to protect public health versus farming groups' concerns about economic impacts and food safety.
- Sheinbaum praises bilateral steps to combat flesh-eating screwworm
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised a new sterile fly plant in Chiapas, funded by Mexico ($30 million) and the U.S. ($21 million), to combat the New World screwworm. The facility will produce 28 million sterile flies weekly by mid-July, aiming to reduce the parasite population through sterile insect technique. The U.S. pledged an additional $83.8 million to support the effort.
- Arkansas will move forward with a ban on using SNAP for candy and soda despite recent court ruling
Arkansas is proceeding with a ban on using SNAP benefits for candy and soda starting Wednesday, despite a federal judge's recent ruling that similar restrictions in other states violated federal law. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders cited public health concerns, including obesity and diabetes, as justification for the policy.
- Arkansas will move forward with a ban on using SNAP for candy and soda despite recent court ruling
Arkansas will implement a ban on using SNAP benefits to purchase candy and soda despite a recent court ruling that invalidated similar restrictions in other states. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders cited public health concerns, including obesity and diabetes, as the rationale for the policy.
- Moderate US House Dem group questions USDA’s Rollins over screwworm response
A group of moderate U.S. House Democrats, including Reps. Sharice Davids, Gabe Vasquez, and Jim Costa, sent a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins demanding transparency and additional resources to address a New World screwworm outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. The lawmakers emphasized concerns over the pest's impact on livestock and food prices, while a USDA spokesperson defended the agency's communication efforts.
- Tennessee taxpayers could foot bill for some SNAP costs if state’s error rate doesn’t improve
Tennessee could face a financial penalty of up to $171 million for its 9.44% SNAP payment error rate under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act starting October 2027. The state’s overpayment rate was 7.84%, and underpayment rate was 1.60%, exceeding Congress’s 6% goal. States with error rates between 8% and 10% must cover 10% of SNAP costs, which are typically federally funded.
- Justice Department sues Minnesota for not giving requested SNAP data to the USDA
The U.S. Department of Justice is suing Minnesota for refusing to provide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) data to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The lawsuit alleges Minnesota's noncompliance with USDA requests since May 2026 has enabled potential fraud and waste in SNAP administration. Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Kentucky are also being sued for similar reasons.
- House Democrats question USDA’s Rollins over screwworm response
House Democrats, including members of the New Democrat Coalition, demanded the USDA provide more details and allocate resources to address the New World screwworm outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. The lawmakers criticized the Trump administration for insufficient transparency and preparedness, while the USDA defended its communication efforts.
- Moderate US House Dem group questions USDA’s Rollins over screwworm response
A group of 21 moderate House Democrats, including Reps. Sharice Davids, Gabe Vasquez, and Jim Costa, demanded the USDA provide more details and allocate additional resources to address the New World screwworm outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. The lawmakers criticized the Trump administration for insufficient transparency and urged proactive measures to prevent further spread, while a USDA spokesperson defended the agency's communication efforts.
- Moderate US House Dem group questions USDA’s Rollins over screwworm response
A group of House Democrats from the New Democrat Coalition questioned USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins about the agency's response to a New World screwworm outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. The lawmakers demanded increased resources and transparency to address the parasitic fly's impact on livestock and food prices, while USDA defended its communication efforts.
- Moderate US House Dem group questions USDA’s Rollins over screwworm response
A group of moderate U.S. House members, including Reps. Sharice Davids, Gabe Vasquez, and Jim Costa, demanded the USDA provide more details and allocate resources to address a New World screwworm outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. The lawmakers criticized the Trump administration for insufficient transparency and urged proactive measures to support affected ranchers and prevent further spread. The USDA defended its communication efforts, stating it has provided 'unprecedented' updates to stakeholders.
- Wisconsin, eight other states won’t have to match portion of federal SNAP benefits
The USDA released 2025 SNAP payment error rates, showing Wisconsin and eight other states with rates below 6% will avoid federal penalties requiring states to match 5-15% of benefits costs. Wisconsin’s 5.72% error rate will save up to $205 million in the 2027-28 fiscal year, while 18 states with higher error rates face penalties or must invest in error reduction.
- SNAP error rate lowered, but still too high to skirt potential future costs
Florida reduced its SNAP payment error rate to 12.97% but remains above the national average and the threshold under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), requiring a nearly $1 billion state contribution. The USDA highlighted accountability concerns, and the state plans to allocate $4 million to address errors in the 2026-27 budget.
- Dozens of states could face new costs because of high error rates in SNAP food aid
Dozens of states may face financial penalties due to high error rates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), while nine states with low error rates are exempt. A Trump-signed law requires states with 6% or higher error rates to cover a portion of SNAP benefits starting in 2027, shifting costs from federal to state budgets.
- Flesh-eating screwworm horror hits US cattle, but Trump’s USDA was ready to fight
The New World Screwworm has been detected in U.S. cattle, prompting the USDA to implement measures like releasing sterile flies and closing southern livestock imports. Secretary Brooke Rollins coordinated with Mexico to establish surveillance, reduce equipment duties, and secure airspace for sterile fly releases to combat the threat.
- Trump will welcome farmers and ranchers to White House dinner to celebrate trade, tax wins
Donald Trump will host farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers at a White House dinner to highlight trade and tax policies supporting the agriculture industry. The event coincides with the Great American State Fair and follows recent agriculture-focused initiatives by the administration.
- Trump will welcome farmers and ranchers to White House dinner to celebrate trade, tax wins
Donald Trump will host farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers at a White House dinner to highlight trade and tax policies, emphasizing expanded market access and reduced trade barriers. The event coincides with the Great American State Fair and follows recent agriculture-focused initiatives, with attendees including senior administration officials and lawmakers from major agricultural states.
- Judge rules government can’t stop SNAP dollars from buying candy and sugary drinks
A federal judge ruled the government cannot block Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from being used to purchase candy and sugary drinks, citing violations of the law and the program's definition of 'food.' The decision affects 23 states where restrictions were planned or implemented as part of the 'Make America Healthy Again' campaign, which aimed to curb obesity and chronic diseases by limiting purchases of unhealthy items.
- Judge rules government can’t stop SNAP dollars from buying candy and sugary drinks
A federal judge ruled the government cannot block SNAP benefits from being used to purchase candy and sugary drinks, citing failure to follow its own definition of 'food.' The decision overturns restrictions in 23 states aimed at curbing obesity through dietary changes, part of a campaign by Agriculture and Health Secretaries to limit such purchases.
- Judge rules government can’t stop SNAP dollars from buying candy and sugary drinks
A federal judge ruled the government cannot block SNAP benefits from purchasing candy and sugary drinks, citing legal violations of the program's definition of 'food.' The decision affects 23 states with planned or existing restrictions, part of a campaign by Agriculture and Health Secretaries to promote healthier choices.
- Judge rules government can't stop SNAP dollars from buying candy and sugary drinks
A federal judge ruled the government cannot block SNAP benefits from purchasing candy and sugary drinks, citing violations of the program's definition of 'food.' The decision affects 23 states where restrictions were implemented or planned under the Trump administration's 'Make America Healthy Again' campaign, which aimed to curb obesity and chronic diseases by limiting unhealthy purchases.
- Judge rules government can't stop SNAP dollars from buying candy and sugary drinks
A judge ruled the federal government cannot block Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from being used to buy candy and sugary drinks. The decision overturns restrictions in 23 states supported by the 'Make America Healthy Again' campaign led by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who argued such purchases contribute to health issues.
- Judge rules government can't stop SNAP dollars from buying candy and sugary drinks
A federal judge ruled that the government cannot restrict Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from being used to buy candy and sugary drinks, citing a legal conflict with Congress's definition of 'food.' The decision blocks restrictions in 23 states and challenges efforts by the Agriculture and Health Secretaries to promote healthier food choices through the 'Make America Healthy Again' campaign.
- While Mexico defends ‘sovereignty,’ cartels import a flesh-eating parasite into Texas
The New World screwworm, eradicated from the U.S. for 60 years, has reemerged in Texas via cartel-controlled smuggling corridors in Mexico. Mexican cartels use illegal livestock trade to bypass inspections, spreading the parasite through infested cattle. The U.S. has closed southern border livestock imports to prevent further spread, while Mexico increased processed beef exports.
- USDA has new partners in the fight against screwworm — drones, dogs and fungi
The USDA is collaborating with new partners using drones, dogs, and fungi to combat the New World Screwworm. Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the initiative at a press conference in Kerrville.
- Border Report Live: Feds focus on wildlife as New World screwworm cases increase in US
There are a dozen New World screwworm cases in two Southwest border states, prompting federal authorities to focus on preventing wildlife from spreading the parasites. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins highlighted the concern and increased efforts to address the issue.
- CDC activates emergency response for New World Screwworm outbreak
The CDC activated a level 3 emergency response to address the New World Screwworm outbreak, which primarily affects animals by laying eggs in open wounds. The USDA reports nine cases in Texas and New Mexico, prompting transport restrictions and inspections in Colorado. The FDA approved emergency medication for pets, and the USDA is deploying sterile flies to curb the infestation.
- Political blame game follows as screwworm parasite threatens cattle in Texas
The New World screwworm parasite threatens U.S. cattle, prompting the release of sterile flies to control its spread. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins attributes the parasite's return to the Biden administration, while Democratic leaders blame former President Donald Trump's policies. The USDA plans a $1 billion response to prevent economic damage to the cattle industry.
- Political blame game follows as screwworm parasite threatens cattle in Texas
The U.S. Agriculture Secretary highlighted efforts to combat the New World screwworm in Texas, which threatens cattle herds. Political blame shifted between the Biden and Trump administrations for the parasite's resurgence. The USDA plans a $1 billion response, including releasing sterile flies to curb the infestation.
- USDA Secretary Rollins blames Biden border policies for screwworm threat
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins attributed six U.S. cases of New World screwworm to Biden administration border policies and Mexican cartels' inaction. The pests, which can harm livestock, were confirmed in South Texas and New Mexico. Rollins stated USDA staff focused on screwworm prevention has increased from 10 to over 120 full-time members since last year.
- USDA Secretary Rollins blames Biden border policies for screwworm threat
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins attributed six confirmed New World screwworm cases in the U.S. to Biden administration border policies and Mexican cartels' inaction. Democrats raised concerns about USDA staff reductions under the Trump administration impacting the response. The USDA has increased staff and allocated $1.3 billion to combat the threat.
- USDA Secretary Rollins blames Biden border policies for screwworm threat
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins attributes six confirmed New World screwworm cases in the U.S. to Biden’s border policies and Mexican cartels’ inaction. The pests, which can harm livestock, were eradicated since 1966 but have re-emerged, with Rollins stating increased USDA staff and funding to combat the threat.
- Rollins knocks down Grassley’s suggestion of vaccine for screwworms
Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley urged Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to develop a vaccine for New World screwworms after the parasite's return to the US. Rollins rejected the suggestion, and the infestation was confirmed in Texas.
- Feds approve $31.7 million in disaster aid for flood-hit Vermont farmers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved $31.7 million in disaster aid for Vermont farmers affected by floods in 2023 and 2024. The funding will support infrastructure repairs, flood-related losses, and market losses for farmers unable to access FEMA funds. Vermont officials confirmed the approval and noted the next step is state legislative authorization to accept the funds.
- USDA Secretary Rollins blames Biden border policies for screwworm threat
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins attributes six New World screwworm cases in the U.S. to Biden's 'open-border policies,' citing lax enforcement and Mexican cartel inaction. The pests, which harm livestock by laying eggs in animals, have been confirmed in South Texas and New Mexico. Rollins claims USDA staff focused on screwworm prevention has increased to over 120, despite concerns from Democrats about staff reductions under the Trump administration.
- USDA Secretary Rollins blames Biden border policies for screwworm threat
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins attributed six confirmed New World screwworm cases in the U.S. to the Biden administration’s border policies and Mexican cartels’ inaction. Rollins stated the pests likely migrated north via infested livestock or pets, with cases in South Texas and New Mexico. Democrats raised concerns about USDA staff reductions under the Trump administration impacting the response, while Rollins highlighted increased staff and $1.3 billion allocated to combat the threat.