Clovis, Trump USDA Science Pick, Confirms He Has No Science Credentials

"The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientist nominee, Sam Clovis, who now serves as the agency’s senior White House adviser, confirmed in an Oct. 17 letter obtained by The Washington Post that he has no academic credentials in either science or agriculture.

But the former Iowa talk radio host and political science professor contended in the letter to the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee’s top Democrat, Debbie Stabenow (Mich.), that his time teaching and running for political office in the Hawkeye State steeped him in the field of agriculture.

The post for which President Trump has nominated his campaign co-chair — USDA undersecretary for research, education and economics — has traditionally been held by individuals with advanced degrees in science or medicine. The 2008 farm bill specifies that appointees to the position should be chosen “from among distinguished scientists with specialized training or significant experience in agricultural research, education, and economics,” given that the official is “responsible for the coordination of the research, education, and extension activities of the Department.”"

Juliet Eilperin reports for the Washington Post November 2, 2017.

SEE ALSO:

"Sam Clovis’s Ties To Russia Probe Cooperator Renew Opposition To His USDA Nomination" (Washington Post)

"U.S. Ag Chemical Makers Back Controversial Trump Nominee" (Chemical & Engineering News: 9/12/2017)