Many of the political appointees working at USDA have “little to no experience with federal policy, let along deep roots in agriculture,” says Politico, after examining the résumés of 42 appointees. The resumes were provided by the watchdog group American Oversight and “22 listed Trump campaign experience.”
“Most of that group also lack experience working in agriculture. The 42 appointees include a number who do have farm-policy chops — but none of those tout time on the Trump campaign,” said Politico in its Morning Ag newsletter. “Among this crop of appointees are a former cabana boy, a truck driver, an AT&T cellular phone salesman and the owner of a scented-candle company.”
The executive director of American Oversight said the top priority in selecting personnel was commitment to Trump’s election. “The theme that emerges is pretty clear: What do you have to do to get an administration job? Work on the campaign,” he told Politico. This early in an administration, administration appointees would be holding lower-level posts. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue is the only policymaker confirmed by the Senate.
The Senate Agriculture Committee scheduled a confirmation hearing for two senior USDA nominees — Steve Censky for deputy secretary and Ted McKinney for undersecretary for trade — for Tuesday. A staff worker says the committee is waiting for additional paperwork on Sam Clovis, nominated for undersecretary for research. Clovis is the most controversial USDA nominee in 15 years.