September 13, 2018
Records obtained by American Oversight reveal a pattern of politically-motivated hiring at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). A list of political appointees who have joined USDA since March 2017, along with appointees’ resumes, show that unqualified candidates, particularly former campaign staffers who expressed loyalty to President Trump, obtained leadership positions at the agency. Other resumes show officials who, while possessing experience in agricultural policy, came to USDA directly from the industries that the agency regulates.