USDA Chief's Fossil Fuel Holdings Raise Conflict Concerns Amid Farmer Crisis

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is being led by an official who has significant investments in oil and gas companies, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Brooke Rollins, the head of the USDA, holds between $2.5 million and $3.1 million in fossil fuel investments, including a limited partnership with oil and gas interests in Iraq.

Rising diesel prices have had a devastating impact on American farmers, who are struggling to cope with increasing costs for fertilizer and other inputs. According to former Washington Governor Jay Inslee, farmers have spent over $1.5 billion extra on diesel since the war in Iran began.

Trump's administration has also been accused of profiting from the war, with a report finding that President Trump made around $15.5 million on his oil and gas holdings since the conflict escalated.