Luke J. Lindberg
Luke J. Lindberg | |
|---|---|
| Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs | |
Designate | |
| Assumed office TBD | |
| President | Donald J. Trump |
| Preceded by | Alexis Taylor |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Norwich, Vermont, U.S. |
| Relations | John Thune (father-in-law) |
| Residence(s) | Harrisburg, South Dakota, U.S. |
| Education | University of Maryland (BA, MPP, MBA) |
| Occupation | Business executive, diplomat |
Luke J. Lindberg is an American businessman and diplomat who is the Under Secretary-designate of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) since 2025.[1] He is the founder, president, and chief executive officer of South Dakota Trade, a public–private partnership that promotes international trade for the state.[2]
Early life and education
Lindberg was raised in Norwich, Vermont, where his mother, Cheryl A. Lindberg, serves as town treasurer since 1996.[3] He graduated from Hanover High School in New Hampshire and earned a B.A. in Government & Politics, a Master of Public Policy, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland.[4]
Career
Lindberg began his career as a management consultant with IBM in Washington, D.C.[5] He later worked for Sanford World Clinic, helping guide the health system’s international expansion.[6]
In July 2019 Lindberg joined the Export–Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) as senior vice-president for external engagement. He was promoted on 31 December 2020 to Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer.[7] During his tenure, he helped implement the “China and Transformational Exports Program,” after the EXIM board adopted a new content policy in December 2020.[8]
Lindberg founded South Dakota Trade in 2023, a 501(c)(6) association that assists South Dakotan exporters.[4] In April 2025 Jesse Fonkert was named his successor as president and CEO, with Lindberg remaining until Senate confirmation of his USDA post.[9]
Lindberg is a senior fellow at the America First Policy Institute.[10] He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.[11]
Under secretary of agriculture
President-elect Donald Trump announced Lindberg’s selection on 16 January 2025 via Truth Social.[12] The formal nomination was sent to the Senate (PN 12-26) on 20 January 2025.[13]
He was confirmed on August 2nd, 2025 by a vote of 78–17.[14]
Personal life
Lindberg lives in Harrisburg, South Dakota, with his wife, Brittany Thune Lindberg, daughter of U.S. Senator John Thune, and their two children.[15]
References
- ^ "PN12-26 — Luke Lindberg — Department of Agriculture". Congress.gov. 20 January 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ "Luke Lindberg – President & CEO". South Dakota Trade. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ "Town Treasurer". Town of Norwich, VT. 19 June 2012. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ a b "Luke Lindberg – President & CEO". South Dakota Trade. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ Zimmerman, Caroline (5 December 2014). "Catching up with the Thune sisters". Argus Leader. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ "Sanford international board helping guide global development". SiouxFalls.Business. 7 August 2017. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ "Luke J. Lindberg Appointed Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer" (Press release). EXIM. 31 December 2020. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ "EXIM Board Unanimously Approves Historic Policy to Support U.S. Exporters Competing with the PRC" (Press release). EXIM. 18 December 2020. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ "South Dakota Trade names next leader". SiouxFalls.Business. 8 April 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ "American leadership in East Africa is helping stabilize the region—and that's good for our long-term national security". America First Policy Institute. 4 Mar 2024. Retrieved 23 Apr 2025.
- ^ https://www.cfr.org/membership/roster
- ^ "Truth Social posts of January 16, 2025". The American Presidency Project. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ "PN12-26 — Luke Lindberg — Department of Agriculture". Congress.gov. 20 January 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ "U.S. Senate: U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 119th Congress - 1st Session". www.senate.gov. Retrieved 2025-08-03.
- ^ "Luke Lindberg chosen as Trump's pick for USDA trade under secretary". Argus Leader. 17 January 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.