The Senate confirmed Luke Lindberg as the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at USDA. The confirmation came on Saturday night with a vote of 77-18, following a nomination that had been pending for months.
The National Potato Council, along with a coalition of other agricultural groups, had previously advocated for Lindberg’s swift confirmation. The groups emphasized his leadership as essential for U.S. agriculture, citing his experience at the South Dakota Trade and the Export-Import Bank of the United States.
Upon his confirmation, Lindberg reiterated that his primary goal is to address the U.S. agricultural trade deficit, which is currently projected at $49.5 billion. He promised to immediately engage with commodity groups across the country to discuss trade priorities and solutions.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins expressed her support, stating that Lindberg’s “drive and deep experience will ensure we not only defend our producers, but also open new doors to global trade.”
Lindberg is the fourth of President Trump’s nominees to USDA to be confirmed, joining Secretary Rollins, Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden, and General Counsel Tyler Clarkson.