Tom Vilsack went straight from Obama’s cabinet to a big-money position at a trade organization. Then he won the lottery (literally).
om Vilsack has spent more time as a cabinet official than anyone else over the last 12 years, serving as secretary of agriculture under both Obama and Biden. But during the four-year period that he was out of government, when Trump was in charge, Vilsack cashed in—leading a trade organization that called on his old department, taking advantage of farm subsidies and winning the lottery of a state he once governed. Today, Vilsack is worth an estimated $4 million.
During this same era, Vilsack’s political career began to take off. He became mayor of Mount Pleasant in 1987, a state senator in 1993, then governor in 1999. In 2006, Vilsack launched a bid for the White House. His presidential run failed, but the eventual winner—Barack Obama—gave him a spot in the cabinet, where he remained for eight years.
When Obama’s second term ended, other lucrative opportunities opened up. In February 2017, Vilsack joined an organization that the agriculture department helps fund, called the U.S. Dairy Export Council. As its chief executive and president, Vilsack promoted dairy products overseas. He also communicated with the Department of Agriculture, reaching out to his successor Sonny Perdue. The work paid well, as revolving-door positions often do.
Vilsack also used his farm to take advantage of programs from the Department of Agriculture. For example, the Conservation Reserve Program pays farmers to refrain from planting and harvesting on sensitive land. In 2020, Vilsack collected about $15,000 of subsidies through the program. He still owns the farm today, causing some ethics complications.
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Joe Biden Responds To Rally Heckle With A Ding Of Donald TrumpPresident Joe Biden threw shade at his predecessor, former President Donald Trump, when he was heckled during a rally speech in Arlington, Virginia, on Friday night.
Leer más »
Biden administration cancels border wall contracts covering a 31-mile section in TexasFriday's announcement comes after the Biden administration last month returned to the military more than $2 billion in funding that th Trump administration had diverted for border wall construction.
Leer más »
'It's not a Trump rally': Biden responds to being heckled while campaigning for former Gov. Terry McAuliffe in VirginiaAccording to the AP, protestors against an oil pipeline interrupted President Biden, with the president taking a dig at former President Trump.
Leer más »
Gender violence support groups receive £5m fundingThe cash will help groups who have seen an increased demand for their services during the pandemic.
Leer más »
Biden slams Trump for calling Capitol rioters 'wonderful,' makes forceful return to campaign trailBiden stumped for Virginia gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe in his first in-person candidate rally since he took office in January.
Leer más »