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Trump Administration Initiatives

Highlighting Actions that Impact the Food System

Due to rapid changes by the Trump administration as well as litigation, readers
should check the news and the links provided to verify. There are dozens of 
pending actions, each  proceeding individually. This page provides only the 
major highlights.
 
Here are some helpful links tracking lawsuits filed:
Over DOGE’s Treasury Access, Forbes (Feb. 7, 2025)
For tracking administrative actions, here are some additional sources: 
Agency Leadership
Nomination of Brooke Rollins to be Secretary of Agriculture, USDA
Key USDA Appointments announced

Nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services

FDA Appointments/Nominations 

Executive and Administrative Orders with a Direct Impact on USDA / FDA

USDA Dept of Communications Directs Removal of Climate Change from Gov't websites:  

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility - All DEIA efforts at federal agencies were ordered to be terminated by multiple Executive Orders: 

Actions Involving Career Government Employees

Memorandum Ordering "Immediate Pause" on HHS Communications

 

Firing of the independent Inspectors General, including USDA IG Phyllis Fong and HHS IG Christi Grimm (by email Jan. 25, 2025)

Memorandum Ordering Federal Agencies to Freeze "all federal financial assistance"

Immigration Policies Including Deportation

The Trump administration's aggressive actions to deport undocumented immigrants and refugees may have profound impacts on the food system. It is estimated that almost half of farmworkers are undocumented and, a significant percentage of food workers, from processing plants to restaurants are as well. It has been difficult to track who is being arrested and deported, but the following site provides tracking of policies and practices:

 

White House "Fact Sheet" Announcing the Imposition of Tariffs on Good Imported from Canada, Mexico, and China

Efforts to Close USAID / Terminating Employees and Orders to Cease Work

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