Trump taps Idaho rancher and donor for USDA post

By Marc Heller | 01/17/2025 01:51 PM EST

The president-elect’s pick for Agriculture undersecretary for natural resources and environment has had conflicts with federal agencies.

Donald Trump speaks at news conference.

President-elect Donald Trump announced several picks for USDA positions Thursday. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

President-elect Donald Trump has picked Michael Boren, an Idaho investment consultant and Republican campaign donor who’s had friction with government agencies, as Agriculture undersecretary for natural resources and environment.

In the position, which is subject to Senate confirmation, Boren would oversee the Forest Service and the 193 million acres of forest and grassland it manages.

In a post on his social networking site Truth Social, Trump cited Boren’s business experience — he’s a co-founder of Clearwater Analytics in Boise, Idaho, among other ventures — and as a board member of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, as well as his work as a volunteer firefighter.

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“Michael will work to reinvigorate Forest Management at a time when it is desperately needed,” Trump said.

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