Agriculture Secretary Rollins Discusses Tariffs, Trade Deals, and Farmer Concerns

In an exclusive interview, Rollins speaks on the State of the Union, partnerships with Canada and Mexico, and plans to support farmers' mental health

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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In an exclusive interview with The Flag's Scott Hennen, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins discussed a range of topics, including the impact of tariffs and trade deals on the agriculture industry, partnerships with Canada and Mexico, and efforts to address the economic and mental health challenges facing American farmers.

Why it matters

The agriculture industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, from trade disputes to rising input costs and mental health struggles. Rollins' insights shed light on the Trump administration's approach to supporting farmers and the broader agricultural sector, which is a critical part of the U.S. economy.

The details

Rollins praised the recent State of the Union address, saying it declared 'triumph against all odds' and highlighted the administration's progress on trade deals. She discussed how tariffs have allowed the U.S. to complete 15 new trade deals, leading to increased exports of dairy and corn. Rollins also noted the importance of partnerships with Canada and Mexico, saying an announcement on Canada may be coming soon. On the economic and mental health struggles of farmers, Rollins acknowledged the unsustainability of relying on government checks and pledged to announce new support for farmers' mental health in the near future.

  • Rollins spoke with The Flag's Scott Hennen on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the day after the State of the Union address.
  • Rollins expects full clarity on the 45Z tax credit policy within the next 30 days.

The players

Brooke Rollins

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, appointed by President Trump.

Scott Hennen

The host of The Flag, who conducted the exclusive interview with Secretary Rollins.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who Rollins says is 'hyper focused' on improving the partnership with Canada.

Lee Zeldin

A member of Congress who Rollins says worked with her on the 45Z tax credit policy.

Doug Burgum

A political figure who Rollins says worked with her on the 45Z tax credit policy.

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What they’re saying

“I felt like it was a declaring triumph against all odds a year ago with everything that we inherited to see where we are a year in. There's still so much to do, especially in agriculture, but I'm just so proud of what we've accomplished.”

— Brooke Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (The Flag)

“The President is hyper focused on getting somewhere very positive with Canada. I think we're going to see some really good news soon.”

— Brooke Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (The Flag)

“Not just the last four or five years, but to be especially in the row crop business, but really all of agriculture, but for our row croppers to only make money every two of 10 years, which is the average to be reliant on a government check. These farmers are the most proud, the most pioneering, the most they are the best of us. They are the best of America. And they are whom I have worked in Washington over the last year to put back at the center of policymaking. It is unsustainable for us to continue to issue check after check after check, because the farmers are still barely surviving.”

— Brooke Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (The Flag)

What’s next

Rollins expects to provide full clarity on the 45Z tax credit policy within the next 30 days.

The takeaway

The Trump administration's approach to trade, tariffs, and supporting the agriculture industry has been a mixed bag, with some successes in new trade deals but ongoing challenges for farmers. Rollins' comments suggest the administration is working to address the economic and mental health struggles facing the farming community, though the long-term sustainability of the industry remains an open question.