President Donald Trump maintained support from the majority of rural voters in the 2020 election, but this wasn’t enough to win a second term. Joe Biden is the president-elect. Biden is already announcing Cabinet selections, choosing former agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack to lead the USDA. Vilsack wasn’t looking to return to the USDA, but Biden was persistent. If confirmed, Vilsack said one of the first focuses at USDA will be COVID-19 response. “Reviving rural communities and economies, addressing dire food shortages and getting workers and producers the relief they need to hang on and come back stronger.” Climate change will also be a priority. Other Cabinet picks include former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen to lead the Department of Treasury, Michael Regan to lead the EPA and the nominee for U.S. Trade Representative is Katherine Tai. All of these positions have to be confirmed by the new Senate in 2021.
