Luke Lindberg

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President Donald Trump’s choice to fight global hunger subscribes to a philosophy that will only make it worse.

Trump appointed Luke Lindberg, the Department of Agriculture’s undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, to lead the Rome-based World Food Program, which is the world’s largest humanitarian agency, according to a report by PassBlue. Yet Lindberg’s most recent job was rebranding the Food for Peace international food aid program as "America First" international food assistance. Under Trump the federal government has pushed for cuts to the McGovern-Dole program, which provides food assistance to low-income nations, as well as for Lindberg’s own Food for Peace program.

“Under the second Trump administration, funding for the World Food Program was slashed in half after the dismantling of USAID,” PassBlue reported. “The loss of $2.6 billion in US funding in the last year triggered the layoff of a third of WFP’s staff and a surge in malnutrition in some of the most fragile countries. Despite the cuts, Washington remains at the top of the donors’ list for WFP. This reality makes it more likely that Trump’s nominee will pull through the Senate confirmation hearings without major opposition.”

In addition to supporting Trump's funding cuts, Lindberg is also linked with unpopular food distribution methods. Both the World Food Program and other UN humanitarian agencies prefer to either provide cash or help local and regional governments obtain food, arguing that these approaches are cheaper, more efficient and less disruptive. But Lindberg advocates exporting US-grown commodities to provide the same international food aid.

“Sam Vigersky, an international affairs fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, said that recourse to the old practice of WFP procurement restricted only to US commodities is a strong possibility if an American leads the agency again,” PassBlue reported.

“The practice is inefficient in that it involves shipping grain at significant cost from America, which is rarely the most readily available or the cheapest source; nor is it always the locally preferred kind of grain,” Nick Coghlan, a former Canadian diplomat with experience in Sudan and South Sudan, told PassBlue.

He added, “Moreover, the practice seriously undermines regional food markets which would otherwise receive a useful boost; and it discourages more innovative WFP programmes that require cash injections.”

When Trump dismantled USAID, more than a million people were left without three months worth of food because $98 million in ready-made meals and other rations were abandoned in four warehouses by the administration.

“Contracts with suppliers, shipping companies, and contractors have been canceled since USAID was taken over by the Trump administration's so-called Department of Government Efficiency, with the White House saying the agency—with a relatively small budget of just $40 billion—was responsible for ‘significant waste,’” Common Dreams reported in May. “Since DOGE, run by tech billionaire Elon Musk, targeted USAID in one of its first full-scale attacks on a federal entity, the agency is being run by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.”

In response to Trump’s attacks on food programs, a current federal official told NOTUS in July that Trump’s actions are a sign of America slipping into authoritarianism.

“Take it from those of us who worked in authoritarian countries: We’ve become one,” the official told NOTUS. “They were so quick to disband AID, the group that supposedly instigates color revolutions. But they’ve done a very foolish thing. You just released a bunch of well‑trained individuals into your population. If you kept our offices going and had us play solitaire in the office, it might have been safer to keep your regime.”

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4 26 no talk Luke J. Lindberg - Wikipedia

Luke J. Lindberg is an American businessman and diplomat who has served as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) since 2025.^[2] Previously, he founded, and served as president, and chief executive officer of South Dakota Trade, a public–private partnership that promotes international trade for the state.^[3]

Early life and education

Lindberg was raised in Norwich, Vermont, where his mother, Cheryl A. Lindberg, has served as town treasurer since 1996.^[4] He graduated from Hanover High School in New Hampshire and earned a B.A. in Government & Politics, a Master of Public Policy, and an MBA from the University of Maryland.^[3]

Career

Lindberg began his career as a management consultant with IBM in Washington, D.C.^[5] He later worked for Sanford World Clinic, helping guide the health system’s international expansion.^[6]

In July 2019 Lindberg joined the Export–Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) as senior vice-president for external engagement. He was promoted on 31 December 2020 to chief of staff and chief strategy officer.^[7] During his tenure, he helped implement the “China and Transformational Exports Program,” after the EXIM board adopted a new content policy in December 2020.^[8]

Lindberg founded South Dakota Trade in 2023, a 501(c)(6) association that assists South Dakotan exporters.^[3] During his tenure with South Dakota Trade, Lindberg oversaw an expansion of exports from the state,^[9] and led a number of trade missions to various countries, including Israel, where he was hosted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.^[10] In April 2025 Jesse Fonkert was named his successor as president and CEO, with Lindberg remaining until Senate confirmation of his USDA post.^[11]

Lindberg was a senior fellow at the America First Policy Institute.^[12] He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.^[13]

Under secretary of agriculture

President-elect Donald Trump announced Lindberg’s selection on 16 January 2025 via Truth Social.^[14] The formal nomination was sent to the Senate (PN 12-26) on January 20, 2025.^[2]

He was confirmed on August 2, 2025 by a vote of 78–⁠17.^[15]

One month into his tenure as under secretary, Lindberg announced, alongside Secretary Brooke Rollins, a three-point plan to “Support U.S. Agricultural Farmers, Ranchers, Producers, and Exporters”.^[16] The plan created the America First Trade Promotion program, which expedited supplemental funding to support U.S. agricultural exports, and also created a new type of “rapid response” trade mission designed to help U.S. farmers and ranchers take advantage of new trade deals secured by President Donald Trump.

In September 2025, Lindberg led a delegation of 39 U.S. agribusinesses to Taiwan,^[17] where he met with President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim to promote American agricultural products and increase trade and diplomatic relations.^[18]

Personal life

Lindberg lives in Harrisburg, South Dakota, with his wife, Brittany Thune Lindberg, daughter of U.S. Senator John Thune, and their two children.^[19]

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chosun korea

Exclusive: U.S. Energy Secretary Calls Nuclear Leadership Loss to Russia, China 'Madness'

Wright criticizes climate policies, promotes fossil fuels and nuclear revival at AFPI event, opposes COP 30 and IMO rules

By Kim Eun-joong

Published 2025.10.23. 04:59Updated 2025.10.23. 13:38

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright (left) speaks at the 'Global Energy Summit' held in Washington DC on the 22nd. Right is Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. /Courtesy of Kim Eun-jung

“They talk about carbon emissions as if they were an existential threat to the planet, but there’s no data to support that. In Denver, Colorado, where I grew up, people used to say the environment was being destroyed due to population growth and economic expansion, but the air is incredibly clean now. Moose and bears, which I never saw as a child, are everywhere in nature. Even our allies privately agree when I say this, though they find it hard to speak openly.”

Chris Wright, U.S. Secretary of Energy, made these remarks at an event in a Washington, D.C. hotel on the 22nd, drawing a standing ovation. The event was hosted by the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), a prominent think tank in the MAGA (Make America Great Again) faction loyal to U.S. President Donald Trump. Attendees included Harold Hamm, founder of Continental Resources and a key Trump supporter; Chris Wright; Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture; John A. Husted, Republican senator representing Vice President J.D. Vance’s Ohio district; Rep. Ashley Hinson; and Luke Lindberg, Undersecretary of Agriculture. They emphasized the importance of “America First” energy policies.

The Trump administration’s energy policy, encapsulated in the slogan “Drill, Baby, Drill,” prioritizes maximizing fossil fuel development and use. While critical of renewables like wind and solar, it views nuclear power as vital for stable electricity supply in the AI era. Wright stated, “People say I only support oil and gas, but our government is making significant efforts to revive America’s nuclear industry. Nuclear is a fascinating energy source that can be reliably used 24/7, regardless of wind or sunlight.” He added, “Recently, all global reactors have been built by China and Russia. Handing leadership to such countries is madness.” Wright vowed to make the U.S. a leader in nuclear technology, highlighting progress in nuclear recycling and commercial fusion.

The U.S. also hinted at pressuring allies and partners on energy policies. Wright announced he would skip the COP 30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, next month, calling climate change a “hoax” and noting that other delegations privately agree. The U.S. recently blocked International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations on ship carbon emissions. Wright praised Trump, saying, “We have the world’s biggest megaphone,” and revealed contacting over 20 countries to oppose the rules. He called it a “critical moment” against “climate nonsense.” Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture, criticized net-zero targets as “crazy,” stating, “Bioethanol is impossible without American farmers. We are now the world’s energy hegemon.” She quoted Trump calling net-zero a “stupid idea harmful to Americans” and suggesting military enforcement if needed.

Rollins also shared Trump’s trade negotiation style: “The president personally calls leaders to finalize deals. We’ve secured dozens of agreements, including major ones with the EU and Japan, which no one thought possible.” Regarding the UK, she noted, “Trump called Prime Minister Kier Starmer at 3 p.m. on a Sunday, saying, ‘I don’t care about dates.’ Starmer was watching soccer with his family. The president effectively closed the deal, achieving what was once deemed impossible for U.S. farmers.” However, Rollins made no mention of South Korea.

Harold Hamm, founder of Continental Resources and a long-time supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump as well as a major figure in the conservative camp (left), speaks at the 'Global Energy Summit' on the 22nd. Right is Carla Sands, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Denmark during Trump's first administration. /Courtesy of Kim Eun-jung

Harold Hamm, founder of Continental Resources, stated, “To drive AI innovation and change the world, energy is essential. We must take pride in America’s energy sector and promote its global benefits.” Hamm, born to a sharecropper and now an energy tycoon, is a major conservative influencer. His company previously partnered with SK E&S on shale gas projects. Trump once called Hamm “the man who taught me everything about oil.” Hamm urged expanding the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to prepare for emergencies like disasters or wars, warning of potential Chinese exploitation. While praising energy department leaders, he emphasized, “We still have much to do. We must create change every day.”

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[### Luke J. Lindberg

Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Luke_J._Lindberg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_J._Lindberg)

Luke J. Lindberg is an American businessman and diplomat who has served as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs in the ...Read more

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[### PN12-26 - Nomination of Luke Lindberg for Department ...

Congress.gov

https://www.congress.gov › nomination](https://www.congress.gov/nomination/119th-congress/12/26)

Description. Luke Lindberg, of South Dakota, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, vice Alexis Taylor, resigned.Read more

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[### Luke J. Lindberg (@TheUSA) / Posts / X

X · TheUSA

1.7K+ followers](https://x.com/TheUSA)

Take a look at how Team USA delivered in 2025—U.S. Ambassadors around the world helped turn trade deals into real dollars for American farmers and ranchers.Read more

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Videos

[Honoring Farmers for Prosperity | Under Secretary Luke ... YouTube · U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC)

Dec 12, 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne4SWouX6Nc)

YouTube · U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC)

8:51

Farmers for Prosperity will be USGLC's dear friend Luke Lindberg under secretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs.

[One on One With USDA's Luke Lindberg YouTube · Market Talk

1 month ago](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3EYzopP9e8)

YouTube · Market Talk

11:26

USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg.

[Rounds Introduces Luke Lindberg to Senate Ag Committee YouTube · Mike Rounds

Apr 29, 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23gI5mYbasc)

YouTube · Mike Rounds

2:55

It is my honor to introduce Mr Luke Lindberg as the nominee for Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.

:{* View all}:

[### Congratulations to Luke Lindberg who was confirmed by ...

Facebook · Senate Ag Committee Republicans

20+ reactions · 8 months ago](https://www.facebook.com/senateagGOP/posts/congratulations-to-luke-lindberg-who-was-confirmed-by-the-senate-to-be-under-sec/1066669905638639/)

Congratulations to Luke Lindberg who was confirmed by the Senate to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs ...Read more

[### Luke Lindberg

IEEE-USA

https://iwrc.ieeeusa.org › blog › portfolio-items › luke-l...](https://iwrc.ieeeusa.org/blog/portfolio-items/luke-lindberg/)

Lindberg earned a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Public Policy, and a Bachelor of Arts in Government & Politics, all from the University of ...Read more

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[### Trump names South Dakota Trade CEO Luke Lindberg as ...

Argus Leader

https://www.argusleader.com › politics › 2025/01/17 › l...](https://www.argusleader.com/story/news/politics/2025/01/17/luke-lindberg-chosen-donald-trump-usda-trade-under-secretary-john-thune/77777282007/)

Jan 17, 2025 — South Dakota Trade CEO Luke Lindberg was chosen as President-elect Donald Trump's pick for under secretary of trade and foreign ag affairs.

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[### Luke J. Lindberg - USDA

LinkedIn · Luke J. Lindberg

5.6K+ followers](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukejlindberg)

Harrisburg, South Dakota, United States · USDA

Volunteer Experience · Senior Fellow · Chair of Trade Policy Committee · Board Member · Advisory Council Member · Council Member · Industry Trade Advisory Committee.Read more

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[### Secretary Rollins Statement on Confirmation of Luke ...

USDA (.gov)

https://www.usda.gov › news › press-releases › 2025/08/02](https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/08/02/secretary-rollins-statement-confirmation-luke-lindberg-under-secretary-trade-and-foreign)

Aug 2, 2025 — Lindberg holds degrees in Government & Politics, Public Policy, and Business Administration from the University of Maryland. ###. Statement.Read more

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