Country music artist John Rich will be sworn in on Friday as Special Envoy for American Landowners in an Oval Office ceremony attended by his family. President Donald Trump appointed Rich to the role in June.
Rich’s X post announcing the swearing-in drew widespread reactions from supporters praising the choice for defending rural America.
Today, I'll be sworn in as "Special Envoy For American Landowners" by President Trump at The Oval. My family will be there with me! (My Dad bought his first new suit in 25 years) I greatly thank @realDonaldTrump for giving me the opportunity to fight for my fellow Americans🇺🇸
— John Rich🇺🇸 (@johnrich) July 10, 2026
The position, created under the current administration, positions Rich as an advocate for farmers, ranchers, and private landowners facing challenges from government overreach, activist campaigns, and outside interests, particularly large-scale solar and wind developments.
Appointment Details and Timeline
Trump appointed Rich in June 2026. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it on June 10. Rich is scheduled for swearing-in on July 10, 2026.
This is a new, dedicated special envoy role focused on landowner advocacy. It is not part of an existing board but a volunteer position within the administration.
Role and Responsibilities
As Special Envoy, Rich will engage directly with landowners nationwide, work with USDA leadership and other agencies such as the EPA, and address threats to private property rights and rural communities. A primary focus is pressure from large-scale solar and wind projects on productive farmland and ranchland.
“America’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners are among the greatest stewards of our nation’s resources and the backbone of our rural communities,” USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins stated in the announcement. “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.”
Rich stated in the USDA release that “President Trump has afforded me the great honor of serving as Special Envoy for American Landowners. I look forward to representing and advocating for landowners’ rights and standing up for the farmers, ranchers, and rural families who work every day to provide for our country.”
The position is unpaid. Rich receives no salary.
Background and Relationship with Trump
Rich, one half of the duo Big & Rich, has known Trump since winning Season 11 of The Celebrity Apprentice in 2011, where he raised over $1 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Their relationship has endured through Rich’s consistent public support for Trump’s campaigns and policies.
Trump and Secretary Rollins approached Rich after his public advocacy against a Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) project in Cheatham County, Tennessee, which threatened local landowners. The TVA ultimately abandoned the project. Trump referenced that effort when offering the national role.
Rich declined a TVA board seat and instead requested a citizen advocate position for landowners nationwide.
. @mmcculley you are correct. President Trump offered me the board seat. I respectfully declined and asked for a position as a Citizen Advocate on behalf of American landowners, and he made it happen. Grateful for the opportunity to help and defend our farmers and ranchers. https://t.co/loq0hnvYEI
— John Rich🇺🇸 (@johnrich) February 19, 2026
