(WASHINGTON D.C.) — On Tuesday, the Senate confirmed Judge Stephen Vaden to serve as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Judge Vaden previously served as General Counsel to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) during President Trump’s first term. In 2020, President Trump appointed Judge Vaden to serve on the United States Court of International Trade. He is a native of Union City, Tennessee, and he continues to help manage his family farm.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins applauded the Senate confirmation for Judge Vaden saying in a statement that “The Trump Administration is putting together an all-star team to follow through on the America First mandate sent to Washington. Judge Vaden is a seasoned lawyer and patriot dedicated to putting Farmers First. I welcome his experience serving in the first Trump Administration, and I look forward to him returning to USDA to serve alongside me as the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.:
U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) released the following statement after the Senate confirmed Judge Vaden saying “I’m pleased the Senate confirmed Judge Vaden to be USDA Deputy Secretary. He is a dedicated public servant and is well-prepared to continue his service in this new role. His knowledge of agriculture policy and the needs of America’s farm communities will be valuable as a leader at the department. I congratulate him and look forward to working together to help our hardworking farmers, ranchers and producers succeed.”
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) said in a statement that “Deputy Secretary Vaden is a seasoned professional with deep familiarity with both the Department and rural America, and I congratulate him on confirmation. I look forward to working with him and USDA leadership on behalf of America’s hardworking farmers, ranchers, foresters, producers, and rural communities. I urge the Senate to move quickly and confirm the rest of President Trump’s USDA nominees so that Secretary Rollins and Deputy Secretary Vaden have their full team as they Make Agriculture Great Again.”
Agriculture groups issued their congratulations after Judge Vaden’s confirmation as well. “The cattle industry is thrilled to see two more highly qualified nominees receive confirmation by the U.S. Senate,” according to National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “Mr. Vaden has spent his career immersed in trade issues and fighting for farmers and ranchers. His unique skillset will be especially important right now as the Trump administration works to expand market access for cattle producers.”
NASDA CEO Ted McKinney released the following statement saying in part that “Deputy Secretary Vaden’s experience, demonstrated leadership within USDA and commitment to U.S. agriculture make him well-qualified to serve in this critical leadership role at USDA to address current challenges and opportunities in agriculture. We are confident that Deputy Secretary Vaden’s leadership alongside Secretary Brooke Rollins will ensure USDA remains a strong advocate for farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and rural communities.”
The American Sugar Alliance issued the following statement on Judge Vaden’s confirmation saying “The American Sugar Alliance congratulates Stephen Vaden on his confirmation as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. Deputy Secretary Vaden brings a wealth of experience in agriculture – including his previous tenure at USDA – and a commitment to putting America’s farmers first. He recognizes the importance of a robust farm safety net, especially as the agriculture sector navigates rising input costs and other challenges. We look forward to collaborating with him to strengthen domestic sugar production and safeguard our national food security.”
