USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Religious Proselytizing

USDA employees have filed a lawsuit alleging that Secretary Brooke Rollins used her position to disseminate Christian messages to staff. Complaint cites Easter emails that celebrate “the greatest story ever told” and asserts the communications created a hostile work environment for non-Christian and LGBTQ workers.

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Rollins’s actions occur within an administration that has emphasized Christian-nationalist themes, including Rededicate 250 rally on National Mall that promoted a Christian nation. Observers have likened her approach to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s confrontational religious rhetoric, though Rollins’s style is described as gentler.

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USDA spokesperson declined to comment on the litigation, saying the agency would keep the plaintiffs in its prayers. Rollins responded on Twitter, sharing an article about the suit and emphasizing the religious message, framing the lawsuit as another occasion to highlight the resurrection.

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Plaintiffs argue the emails use collective terms—“our,” “we,” “all”—to imply non-believers are excluded from full participation. They contend the messages constitute bullying that marginalizes non-Christian and LGBTQ staff, creating fear of retaliation, stalled promotions, and a hostile workplace climate within the USDA that undermines morale.

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If a court finds the emails violate federal workplace-religion protections, the case could set precedent limiting religious expression by senior officials. It also raises broader questions about how federal agencies balance personal faith with obligations to maintain religious neutrality for a diverse workforce.

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Right-wing outlets have portrayed Rollins as a “sweet Christian lady” targeted by “oversensitive infidels,” contrasting sharply with plaintiffs’ claims of hostility. The administration has offered only the spokesperson’s prayer statement and Rollins’s tweet, leaving the precise intent of the emails unclear.

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• “Christ Is Risen” — Brooke Rollins, USDA Secretary (email headline)

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• “God has granted each of us victory and new life. And where there is life — risen life—there is hope,” — Brooke Rollins, USDA Secretary (email body)

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• “While we do not comment on pending litigation, we will keep the plaintiffs in our prayers during this process,” — USDA spokesperson

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• “It’s just another opportunity to remind everyone: He is Risen.” — Brooke Rollins, USDA Secretary (tweet)

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• “Today we celebrate the greatest story ever told, the foundation of our faith, and the abiding hope of all mankind,” — Brooke Rollins, USDA Secretary (Easter email)

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The lawsuit will move through federal court, where a ruling could compel the USDA to revise internal communications policies. Observers anticipate agency-wide training on religious neutrality and heightened scrutiny of future messages from senior officials, and ensure compliance with federal law.

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