Vilsack leaving USDA a week early, no replacement named

[DonViejo]

Source: Associated Press


FRIDAY, JAN 13, 2017 12:30 PM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary Tom Vilsack is leaving the Agriculture Department a week before his tenure ends and President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Trump has not chosen Vilsack’s replacement.

Vilsack told employees in an email that Friday is his final day. He has led USDA for eight years and was President Barack Obama’s longest-serving Cabinet secretary.

The email did not say why Vilsack is leaving or if someone will replace him until Trump is inaugurated next week. Vilsack has said he wants to remain involved with agriculture after leaving government.

Vilsack has criticized the Trump administration for lagging in picking an Agriculture Secretary. It is the only Cabinet position Trump has not filled. In a statement, Vilsack said the new person will be “at a tremendous disadvantage” learning what the department does.

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Read more: http://www.salon.com/2017/01/13/vilsack-leaving-usda-a-week-early-no-replacement-named/

[SoCalNative]

1. Headed back to Monsanto, perhaps?

[JPPaverage]

2. Maybe he'll come back to Iowa

Last edited Fri Jan 13, 2017, 08:08 PM - Edit history (1)

And run for Senate against Ernst in 2020. We need a credible candidate and as former Governor he might have a chance.

[StevieM]

6. I think you meant to write 2020. That is when Joni Ernst is up for re-election. (eom)

[JPPaverage]

8. Yes I did.

Thanks for pointing out my lack of proofreading. I'll do better next time. 2020

[dixiegrrrrl]

3. So Trump is kicking out the Obama appointees and leaders

leaving ZERO time for his guys to learn anything about their departments.

He even fired the guy who is in charge of the Inauguration, telling him to step down at 12:01 on Inauguration Day!!!

The head of the D.C. National Guard, Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz, said Friday that he has been ordered removed from his command effective Jan. 20, 12:01 p.m., just as Donald Trump is sworn in as president.

Schwartz's forced departure will come in the midst of the presidential inauguration that he has spent months helping plan alongside D.C. police, the U.S. Secret Service and other top District of Columbia officials. He will turn over command to an interim as power transfers from one president to the next, and just before the inaugural parade marches down Pennsylvania Avenue.

"The timing is extremely unusual," Schwartz said in an interview Friday morning, confirming a memo announcing his ouster that was obtained by The Washington Post. During the inauguration, Schwartz would command not only the members of the D.C. guard but also an additional 5,000 troops sent in from across the country to help. He also would oversee military air support protecting the nation's capital during the inauguration.

http://www.stripes.com/news/army/commanding-general-of-dc-national-guard-to-be-removed-from-post-on-inauguration-day-1.448836

[BumRushDaShow]

5. Most voluntarily leave anyway

even when the successor is from the same party. The lower level appointees (those installed by agency/department heads) might be the type who try to hang on though...

[TrekLuver]

9. Ok most leave....but at 12:01. Trump is an asshole through and through I hope his day is MAYHEM.

[BumRushDaShow]

10. They had probably started searching for new jobs

on Wednesday November 9th. After having gone through 5 Presidents myself as a fed, the sentiment (at least where I work) is unlike any that I have experienced before.... like a shockwave hit. I expect an exodus... although because of the baby boomers' age range, some of that would have happened anyway.

[Rural_Progressive]

4. Please get the word out about this!!!

We have to be very careful to not put information out without vetting it first.

In this instance it will be important to know that Sonny Perdue, Trump's short lister to be the next Sec of Ag has NO family connection to the confinement chicken empire of Frank Perdue's offspring.

It will be embarrassing if we put out misinformation. Sonny Perdue is a past governor of Georgia and attempted to break the drought in the southeast by prayer.

I'm pretty active in alternative, sustainable agriculture so this is kind of my thing. Wish I could tell you that any of tRump's other short listers looked decentd but I can't.

[dhill926]

7. don't blame him...

there will soon be an overwhelming stench in Washington D.C.

[bluedigger]

11. He's got no reason to stick around.

He's done leading the department, and Trump's transition team has dropped the ball, so he's got no one to hand the reins to. Adios, Don!

[not fooled]

12. Vilsack giving A big "F You"

To the incoming trainwreck.

USDA has been a leader in promoting diversity and opportunity during Vilsack's tenure. Bet he can't stand the thought of dump pissing it all away.

(oops, did I say that?? )