In May, new Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced a reorganization of the USDA that would eliminate the Rural Development Mission Area, dealing a huge blow to rural communities across the country. The Administration attempted to sell the reorganization as an elevation of rural development priorities by saying they would create a new position—Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development—that would oversee rural development priorities and would have “walk-in privileges” with the Secretary.
One of the main ways a President influences policy is with his Cabinet picks. President Trump's appointees are no exception and have especially caused a stir with their private-sector connections.