Strengthening Farmers’ Rights: A New Era Under the Trump Administration

(Washington, D.C., February 6, 2026) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler, and U.S Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin have collaborated on a powerful opinion piece in Newsweek. This joint effort outlines the transformative initiatives spearheaded by President Trump aimed at improving farmers’ rights, reducing regulatory burdens, and lowering operating costs in the agricultural sector.

The Right to Repair: A Game Changer for Farmers

In a groundbreaking move, the Trump administration reaffirmed the right to repair, which is predicted to lower annual farm operating costs by an impressive 10 percent. The EPA’s recent guidance to manufacturers clarifies that the Clean Air Act (CAA) not only supports but encourages Americans’ abilities to repair their own farming equipment.

“There is no better advocate for the needs of the American farmer than President Trump,” said Rollins, Zeldin, and Loeffler. “In the spirit of Thomas Jefferson, we will continue to put farmers first and protect their right to repair. The future of our republic depends on it.”

A Constitutional Right at Stake

As emphasized in the article, the right to repair is a natural extension of the constitutional right to private property that has been foundational to America for over 250 years. Thomas Jefferson’s belief that “the true foundation of republican government is the equal right of every citizen in his person and property” resonates deeply, particularly for farmers who rely on their machinery for survival.

The Cost of Equipment Breakdown

Equipment failures have dire consequences; delayed planting or harvesting can jeopardize food supply and economic stability. Yet, for years, farmers have been left at the mercy of manufacturers’ restrictive practices regarding repairs. Many were forced to seek repairs from dealer-authorized sources, leading to higher costs and frustration.

A Shift in Policy

The Trump administration’s new guidance reverses decades of restrictive interpretations of the CAA. Farmers will now have the freedom to make repairs at home or in local workshops, significantly reducing downtime and costs associated with agricultural machinery failures, particularly for complex systems like Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).

Empowering Farmers for the Future

A staggering 95 percent of farmers agree they should possess the right to fix their own equipment. This initiative not only opens up choices for farmers but also aims to deliver approximately $48 billion in savings across the industry.

Combatting Economic Challenges

Since 2020, capital spending on vehicles and machinery skyrocketed by over 45 percent. The overarching policies of the Biden administration have resulted in inflationary pressures, exacerbating the struggles faced by farmers and ranchers. In contrast, President Trump’s administration strives to restore fiscal responsibility and empower agricultural communities.

A Vision for America’s Farmers

The right to repair initiative epitomizes the administration’s commitment to cutting red tape, enhancing consumer choice, and ultimately lowering costs. As they articulate, “the timely, affordable maintenance of agricultural equipment should not be a luxury—it should be a given.”

Conclusion

The article by Rollins, Loeffler, and Zeldin stands as a testament to the Trump administration’s ongoing dedication to farmers and their needs. With a focus on empowering farmers, this initiative promises to reshape the agricultural landscape for the better.

Lee Zeldin is U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator. Brooke L. Rollins is U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Kelly Loeffler is U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator.