The U.S. Senate recently confirmed a slate of Trump administration nominees who will oversee agricultural trade negotiations, food safety enforcement and key leadership posts across the USDA.
The confirmations were part of a broader package of more than 90 nominees spanning multiple federal agencies.
Among those approved were Dr. Julie Callahan as chief agricultural negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Dr. Mindy Brashears as USDA under secretary for food safety, former U.S. Rep. Yvette Herrell as assistant secretary of Agriculture for congressional affairs and external relations, and John Walk as USDA inspector general.
Agricultural organizations broadly welcomed the confirmations, emphasizing the importance of continuity and experience at a time of heightened global trade negotiations, evolving food safety standards and increased congressional scrutiny of USDA programs.
Callahan as chief ag negotiator
Callahan had been serving as assistant U.S. trade representative for agricultural affairs and commodity policy prior to her confirmation.
Callahan joined USTR in 2016 and has held multiple senior roles within the agency, including deputy assistant U.S. trade representative and senior director in the USTR agriculture office, according to her LinkedIn profile. Before moving to USTR, she worked in senior leadership positions at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, where she focused on aligning regulatory policy with international trade objectives and resolving trade-related regulatory disputes.
Agricultural groups praised the Senate’s action, noting the central role of agricultural negotiations in expanding access to overseas markets.
“Julie Callahan brings an unparalleled level of knowledge, experience and dedication to this position,” said Dan Halstrom, president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation. “This is an especially critical time for agricultural trade, with ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and many key trading partners.”
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) also welcomed Callahan’s confirmation.
“Chief agricultural negotiator is a vital seat at the table for U.S. agriculture,” said NPPC President Duane Stateler, adding that the organization is confident Callahan will “champion America’s pork producers by breaking down unfair trade practices and opening new markets for U.S. pork.”
The National Sorghum Producers (NSP) also expressed their support, emphasizing the sector’s reliance on export markets.
“Julie Callahan’s confirmation comes at an important moment for U.S. agriculture,” said NSP Chair Amy France. “Sorghum growers depend on strong, reliable trade relationships, and Julie understands both the technical and practical realities of agricultural trade.”
Brashears returns to safety role
The Senate also confirmed Brashears as USDA under secretary for food safety, a position she previously held from 2020 to 2021 during President Donald Trump’s first term.
In that role, Brashears oversees the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), which is responsible for ensuring the safety of the nation’s meat, poultry and egg products. After leaving the USDA, Brashears returned to Texas Tech University, where she served as a professor of food microbiology and food safety and directed the International Center for Food Industry Excellence, according to Meating Place.
Her research focused on pre- and post-harvest food safety interventions and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. During her earlier tenure at USDA, Brashears helped launch FSIS’ “Roadmap to Reducing Salmonella: Driving Change Through Science-Based Policy,” emphasizing data-driven approaches and modern technologies to target the most pathogenic strains.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed Brashears’ return.
“Dr. Brashears brings extensive knowledge of the cattle industry and the beef supply chain, as well as experience from President Trump’s first term,” said Sigrid Johannes, NCBA senior director of government affairs. “We look forward to working with Under Secretary Brashears to help ensure a safe, wholesome food supply while protecting consumers’ trust.”
Herrell and Walk
Herrell was confirmed as assistant secretary of agriculture for congressional affairs and external relations. Herrell represented New Mexico’s second congressional district from 2021 to 2023 and previously served in the New Mexico House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019. She made history as the first Republican Native American woman elected to Congress and the first Cherokee woman to serve in the House.
In addition, the Senate confirmed John Walk as USDA inspector general. Walk also serves as senior advisor to the secretary of Agriculture and carries additional responsibilities as judicial officer, acting as the department’s final decision-maker in certain formal adjudicatory and regulatory proceedings.
Before joining USDA, Walk served as associate counsel to Trump in the White House Counsel’s Office from 2017 through 2020, advising on constitutional authority, regulatory matters and executive actions. Earlier in his career, he worked as an attorney at the Department of Homeland Security, providing legal counsel on agency operations and federal litigation. — Charles Wallace, WLJ contributing editor
