Non-Scientist Nominated for Top USDA Science Position

Non-Scientist Nominated for Top USDA Science Position

In July 2017, President Trump nominated Sam Clovis as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Under the 2008 Farm Bill, appointees to this position must be chosen “from among distinguished scientists with specialized training or significant experience in agricultural research, education, and economics.” The position has traditionally been held by people with advanced degrees in science or medicine. No such degree is held by Mr. Clovis, who is a former radio announcer and economics professor, with no “hard-science” credentials.

In November 2017, Mr. Clovis withdrew from consideration for the under secretary position after media report linked him to an investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.