Donald Trump on Friday appointed country star John Rich as special envoy for American landowners, the latest celebrity the president has tapped for such a role.
Per the Department of Agriculture, a “key focus of Rich’s work will be advocating for landowners facing pressure related to large-scale solar and wind development that may impact productive farmland, ranchland, and rural livelihoods. He will work closely with USDA leadership and stakeholders to ensure landowners have a strong voice in decisions affecting their property and communities.”
The Trump administration has cut subsidies to solar and wind projects, and the president has frequently attacked the latter in particular.
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Rich said in a statement, “I look forward to representing and advocating for landowners’ rights and standing up for the farmers, ranchers, and rural families who work every day to provide for our country. Protecting private property rights and ensuring that landowners are not harassed, intimidated, or pressured by outside interests will be at the heart of this mission.”
The White House posted a photo of Rich being sworn in and meeting with Trump in the Oval Office.
Before he returned to office, Trump named Mel Gibson, Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone as “special ambassadors” to Hollywood, with an emphasis on revitalizing production in Los Angeles and the United States.
Critics contend that Trump’s policies have only made the energy situation worse, given the reduced government investment in renewable sources amid the rising demand for electricity. Average electricity prices are expected to rise by 8.5% this summer, or almost 38% since 2020, according to the Center for Energy, Poverty and Climate. The organization said that the rate has exceeded inflation given fuel costs, grid investments, data center demands and utility rate adjustments.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said in a statement, “John Rich has long been a champion for rural America, and I look forward to working alongside him as we continue fighting for the people who feed, fuel, and clothe our nation.”
