John Rich Takes On New Role in Trump Administration as Special Envoy for American Landowners
“I look forward to defending our farmers and ranchers.”
Photo Courtesy John Rich
Country star John Rich is taking on a new role outside of music after being appointed Special Envoy for American Landowners by the Trump administration.
Rich shared the news with fans on social media earlier this week.
“President Trump has afforded me the great honor to serve in his administration as the ‘Special Envoy for American Landowners,’” he wrote on X. “In this role, I look forward to representing and advocating for landowners’ rights against any entity that chooses to harass or intimidate them in an effort to achieve goals contrary to those of the President. I look forward to defending our farmers and ranchers.”
In his new role as Special Envoy, Rich will champion the interests of America’s farmers, ranchers, and private landowners, working to make sure their voices are represented and their property rights remain protected. He will connect directly with landowners nationwide and help address concerns surrounding government regulations, advocacy group efforts, and other outside influences that could impact rural communities and private land ownership.
A major part of his mission will involve supporting landowners navigating issues related to large-scale solar and wind energy projects that may affect farmland, ranchland, and rural ways of life. Working alongside USDA leadership and industry stakeholders, Rich will advocate for landowners and ensure they have a seat at the table when decisions about their land and communities are being made.
Secretary Brooke Rollins, the 33rd US Secretary of Agriculture, welcomed Trump’s appointment.
“America’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners are among the greatest stewards of our nation’s resources and the backbone of our rural communities,” Secretary Rollins shared. “President Trump understands that private property rights are fundamental to the American way of life. John Rich has long been a champion for rural America, and I look forward to working alongside him as we continue fighting for the people who feed, fuel, and clothe our nation.”
The appointment to Special Envoy comes after John Rich fought against the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to protect land and farmers in parts of Tennessee.
Rich has never shied away from sharing his beliefs or political opinions.
“I could give you the tough guy answer and say, I didn’t care what they thought. That’s not true,” Rich previously shared when reflecting on the reaction to his outspoken views.
“At one point, I had to kind of look at the back and forth of that whole scenario and say, ‘Well, is the music industry’s approval of me more important to me than my right to free speech?’” Rich questioned.
For him, the opinion of his family, especially his sons, is what matters most. And if he faces backlash, then so be it.
“I don’t know what the fallout’s going to be. But I’d rather say what I want to say, be an actual American. And if there’s a bloody nose to take, then I guess I’ll take it. And I did take a lot of bloody noses and still do.”
Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
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