Trump Names John Rich Special Envoy For Landowners
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- Donald Trump on Friday appointed country singer John Rich as special envoy for American landowners, the latest celebrity tapped for such a role in his administration
- The Department of Agriculture said Rich's key focus will be advocating for landowners facing pressure from large-scale solar and wind development that may impact productive farmland, ranchland, and rural livelihoods
- The Trump administration has cut subsidies to solar and wind projects, with Trump frequently attacking wind energy in particular
- John Rich said protecting private property rights and ensuring landowners are not 'harassed, intimidated, or pressured by outside interests' will be 'at the heart of this mission'
- Before returning to office, Trump named Mel Gibson, Jon Voight, and Sylvester Stallone as 'special ambassadors' to Hollywood, signaling a pattern of celebrity-led diplomatic-style appointments
- Critics argue the administration's energy policies have made matters worse, noting average electricity prices are expected to rise 8.5% this summer — nearly 38% since 2020, per the Center for Energy, Poverty and Climate
Why it matters: Pairing a celebrity-led advocacy role with existing subsidy cuts, the administration is escalating its fight against renewable development on rural land at a moment residential electricity prices have climbed nearly 38% since 2020, with another 8.5% jump projected this summer. Landowners gain a direct White House ally against energy developers, while critics say the approach deepens the very affordability problem the appointment claims to address.
