Employees at the Department of Agriculture (USDA) are suing Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, claiming her religious emails to staff infringe on their First Amendment rights. The lawsuit argues that her “increasingly proselytizing” messages impose her brand of Christianity on the agency’s 100,000 employees.
The case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Plaintiffs have described Rollins’ emails, particularly an Easter message, as “unconstitutionally coercive.” They feel pressured to align with her beliefs rather than focus on their work.
Ethan Roberts, a USDA technician and one of the plaintiffs, expressed frustration. “I shouldn’t have to endure sermons from the head of a federal agency,” he stated. “Those emails make me feel unwelcome in my own workplace.” The lawsuit seeks to prevent Rollins from sending further religious messages.
The suit highlights how these communications have changed over time. Initially, Rollins’ messages were more neutral. However, they have shifted to overtly religious language. For instance, on July 4, 2025, she sent an email that included, “May God continue to protect the United States.” This evolution concerns the plaintiffs, who argue it creates an “in-group” atmosphere at USDA.
The plaintiffs worry about potential backlash for not sharing Rollins’ views. Jennifer Wolfe, another plaintiff, felt she needed to “pretend” to be Christian to advance her career. Another employee, Lanette Dietrich, asked to be removed from the email list due to discomfort with the religious tone but was told that would not be possible.
The USDA itself has guidelines on religious expression at work. In a November 2025 memo, they emphasized that officials can’t pressure employees into religious beliefs and that conversations must stop if asked. Yet, plaintiffs argue Rollins’ communications contradict this guidance.
Experts warn this situation reflects a larger trend in government. Rachel Laser, president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, called Rollins’ actions part of a broader pattern under the Trump administration, suggesting similar behaviors are happening in other agencies. For instance, a February 2025 executive order aimed to eliminate perceived “anti-Christian” biases across federal workplaces.
Statistics show a growing concern among federal employees about religious pressures. A 2025 survey indicated that nearly 30% of federal workers felt uncomfortable discussing their non-Christian beliefs at work due to leadership pressure. This trend raises questions about employees’ rights to express their beliefs freely.
Legal experts, like Skye Perryman of Democracy Forward, emphasize that the government should never impose religion on its employees. “This goes against our core national principles,” Perryman stressed.
As USDA moves forward with its plan to relocate employees closer to farming communities, unions representing these workers warn that the shifts could lead to more disruption and anxiety. The outcome of the lawsuit will be closely watched as it navigates the delicate balance between personal belief and professional duty in federal agencies.
For further insight, see the USDA’s religious expression guidance [here](https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/11/20/usda-issues-guidance-protect-religious-expression-federal-workplace) or the full lawsuit document [here](https://democracyforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1-NFFE-v-USDA.pdf).
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