Vilsack exits USDA week early, Trump promises nominee 'soon'

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack left office Friday, one week ahead of President Obama. A spokesman for President-elect Donald Trump said a nominee to succeed Vilsack would be named “some time soon.”

As Agri-Pulse has reported, Vilsack will become president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council.

Vilsack left USDA headquarters for the last time at 11:30 a.m., a spokesman said. Michael Scuse, who has been undersecretary for farm and foreign agricultural services, will be acting secretary.

Vilsack's post is the sole remaining cabinet position for which Trump hasn't named a nominee. Trump spokesman Sean Spicer said that the president-elect “understands the importance” of agriculture and trade “to job creation and economic growth in our country” and is searching for someone who understands “how to implement his agenda to achieve those goals.”

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