Politics has no place in the USDA’s mission or leadership
There is an unusual banner on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website that was most likely written by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, which the message is similar to her posts on X and other public comments.
I shared the screen shot image with Sandra Eskin, CEO, Stop Foodborne Illness and former Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety at USDA. In this role, Sandy led the Office of Food Safety at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, overseeing the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
Sandy commented that “Government departments and agencies serve all citizens – republicans and democrats. This type of partisan rhetoric undermines trust in government and may violate the law.”
Sandy is correct, the USDA serves all citizens, regardless of political party. The mission of the USDA is provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, the best available science, and effective management.
According to the USDA’s website, when President Abraham Lincoln established the United States Department of Agriculture, he called it the “People’s Department.” The website goes on to say “At USDA we are working tirelessly to be a model department that serves all people of our great Nation.”
Is Secretary Rollins breaking the law? Maybe. The Hatch Act, applies to employees working in the executive branch of the federal government. The purpose of the Act is to maintain federal workforce that is free from partisan political influence or coercion. The Act covers messages in federal buildings but does not mention federal websites.
Regardless of the legality, Secretary Rollins’ political message is inappropriate and that this type of partisan rhetoric undermines the hard work of the very people who work for her. When USDA employees return to work, they are already dealing with low moral and reduced resources. Their jobs are hard enough. Undermining trust in the government only makes things worse.
Good bosses are like good coaches. You motivate your players to perform at the highest level, no matter what the odds are. My message to Secretary Rollins… step up and be a good leader. Stop the political rhetoric, blame game and excuses. Take ownership of the situation. Motivate your team and instill confidence in your agency to be the model department that you say you are… that serves all people of our great Nation.
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