President Trump appointed Vaden as a judge of the U.S. Court of International Trade in 2020
An appointee from President Trump’s first term is now the second in command at the United States Department of Agriculture.
Stephen Vaden, who served as general counsel to the USDA and received an appointment from the president in 2020 to serve on the U.S. Court of International Trade, is now the deputy secretary of the USDA.
The Senate confirmed Vaden on June 10 by a vote of 51 to 44 with five senators not voting.
President Trump nominated Vaden for the position in December 2024.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins was among the first to congratulate Vaden.
“His leadership, experience, and commitment to putting Farmers First make him an invaluable member of our team,” she said on X. “Looking forward to working him as we MAKE AGRICULTURE GREAT AGAIN!”
As deputy secretary, Vaden “is also the chief operating officer,” the Center for Presidential Transition says about the position. “The deputy secretary historically serves as a partner to the secretary, managing day-to-day operations and addressing issues that need not require the secretary’s attention.”
Vaden grew up in Union City, Tenn., and helped on his family’s farm.
Industry groups are pleased to see someone with Vaden’s experience in ag in a position to support American farmers.
“There is a lot of work to be done, and Judge Vaden will hit the ground with a firm understanding of the challenges facing America’s farmers,” American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said in a statement. “We look forward to engaging with him to create opportunities for farmers and ranchers to continue growing the food, fuel and fiber families rely on.”
The American Soybean Association, National Milk Producers Federation, Growth Energy, and the American Sugar Alliance all put out their own congratulatory messages too.
The U.S. finds itself in trade disputes with multiple trading partners.
Vaden’s experience in trade matters will serve farmers well as they look to engage in new markets, said Ethan Lane, vice president of government affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
“Mr. Vaden has spent his career immersed in trade issues and fighting for farmers and ranchers. His unique skillset will be especially important right now as the Trump administration works to expand market access for cattle producers,” Lane said in a statement.
On the same day as Vaden’s confirmation, Davoud Fotouhi received his confirmation as deputy administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.