Former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack stepped down a week early from his cabinet post to “save taxpayers a few bucks.” Vilsack told Reuters he and his family were taking a trip to Mexico this week and did not want the federal government to pay for a security detail to travel with him. Vilsack served as Ag Secretary for all eight years of President Barack Obama’s time in the White House. Following his exit, The U.S. Dairy Export Council confirmed Vilsack would be its next president and CEO, taking over the duties next month. Vilsack said he left extensive briefing books and electronic information about the agency for the Trump Administration. Vilsack said it would take the next Agriculture Secretary “some time” to absorb all the information Vilsack’s team has prepared. President-elect Trump has yet to name his nominee for Agriculture Secretary.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting news service.
