The Senate over the weekend confirmed two nominees for the top legal and trade positions at USDA. The chamber is now in recess through Labor Day.
The following nominees were formally confirmed to their posts by the full Senate:
- Tyler Clarkson, of Virginia, to be General Counsel of the Department of Agriculture. His nomination was approved by a 52-45 vote.
“Tyler Clarkson is a proven legal mind and a true champion for America’s farmers and ranchers. From his service as Acting General Counsel during the first Trump Administration to his deep experience in regulatory affairs, Tyler understands how to cut red tape and deliver results for rural America. I am proud to welcome him back to USDA, where he will serve a critical role in implementing USDA’s farmer first reorganization, end lawfare against innocent Americans, and ensure American agriculture will be strong, secure, and resilient. Tyler has shown proven leadership that will help us drive forward President Trump’s America First agenda,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins.
Clarkson most recently worked as a VP Deputy General Counsel at Ginkgo Bioworks, which helps customers with genetic engineering across industries and applications – including agriculture. Clarkson previously served as the Deputy General Counsel, Principal Deputy General Counsel, and Acting General Counsel at USDA. He also worked as a Counselor to the Administrator at OIRA; Tyler worked on regulatory enforcement reform while at OIRA. Previously, he worked as an associate at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer focusing largely on cross-border matters. Tyler attended college and law school at the University of Virginia.
- Luke Lindberg, of South Dakota, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. His nomination was approved by a 78-17 vote.
“President Trump is reorienting our global trade relationships to put America First. Over the last four years, our trade agenda favored foreign competitors over America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers. This led to a $50 billion agricultural trade deficit, when under President Trump we had a surplus. Our farmers, ranchers and producers feed, clothe and fuel the world, and they deserve a strong advocate in every trade negotiation and in every market promotion. We are thrilled to have Luke join our team and I have full faith that his drive and deep experience will ensure we not only defend our producers, but also open new doors to global trade.” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “At USDA we are ensuring American agriculture will be strong, secure, and resilient by safeguarding our food supply, strengthening critical infrastructure, and defending U.S. agricultural innovation from foreign adversaries. Luke will be critical to this core mission.”
Luke Lindberg previously served as Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer at the Export-Import Bank of the United States during President Trump’s first term. Most recently, he led South Dakota Trade, a public–private partnership focused on expanding international market access for regional exporters. Lindberg holds degrees in Government & Politics, Public Policy, and Business Administration from the University of Maryland.
