U.S. Agriculture Secretary Clashes with Texas Commissioner Over Screwworm Outbreak
AUGUST 15, 2025 — AUSTIN, TEXAS
"It was a very unserious comment" — Brooke Rollins, U.S. Agriculture Secretary
The Photo
On August 15, 2025, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins posed for a photo with Oklahoma Agriculture Secretary Blayne Arthur and Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller after a press conference on New World screwworm measures at the Texas Capitol.
Behind the smiling image, a public feud was brewing.
The Clash
On Monday, Rollins called Miller "unserious" after he criticized the USDA's response to the screwworm outbreak.
At a Monday news conference, Rollins responded directly to Miller's claim that ranchers would not report cases for fear of quarantine. She described the suggestion as "a very unserious comment" and "dangerous suggestion."
Rollins did not stop there. On CNBC's "Squawk Box," she further criticized Miller, noting he had "lots of crazy ideas."
"Lots of crazy ideas" — Rollins on Miller, speaking to CNBC
The Outbreak
The New World screwworm — a flesh-eating parasitic pest recently detected in Texas — threatens cattle herds and beef prices across the region. The stakes are high: an uncontrolled outbreak could devastate livestock operations and drive up costs for consumers.
The Politics
Sid Miller, a longtime Trump surrogate, has repeatedly criticized the USDA's response, arguing the department acted too slowly and ignored his proposed response mechanism.
President Trump endorsed Miller, calling him a "MAGA Warrior."
Despite that endorsement, Miller lost the March Republican primary to Nate Sheets, who was endorsed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Miller had been considered for Cabinet positions in the Trump administration, but his political fortunes have since shifted.
Key Lines
"Ranchers would not report cases for fear of quarantine" — Miller's claim, dismissed by Rollins
"A very unserious comment... dangerous suggestion" — Rollins, responding to Miller
"MAGA Warrior" — Trump, on Miller
The Bigger Picture
The dispute underscores tensions between federal and state officials as they scramble to contain a biological threat that could ripple through the American beef supply chain. With ranchers caught in the middle, the question is not just about politics — it's about protecting a multi-billion-dollar industry.