Luke J. Lindberg
American businessman and diplomat
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Luke J. Lindberg (born 1988/1989)[1] is an American businessman and diplomat serving as under secretary of agriculture for trade and foreign agricultural affairs in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) since 2025.[2][3] In April 2026, he was nominated as the United States's candidate for the executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme. [4]
Luke Lindberg | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2025 | |
| Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs | |
| Assumed office August 4, 2025 | |
| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Alexis Taylor |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1988 or 1989 (age 37–38) Norwich, Vermont, U.S. |
| Relatives | John Thune (father-in-law) |
| Education | University of Maryland, College Park (BA, MPP, MBA) |
Early life and education
Lindberg was raised in Norwich, Vermont, where his mother, Cheryl A. Lindberg, has served as town treasurer since 1996.[5] He graduated from Hanover High School in New Hampshire and earned a B.A. in Government & Politics, an MBA and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Maryland.[6]
Early career
Lindberg began his career advising public and private sector clients on strategy, operations, and organizational performance in government and regulated environments with IBM in Washington, D.C.[7]
Between 2021 and 2022, Lindberg served at Sanford World Clinic, leading global health operations across seven countries, overseeing multidisciplinary teams and international partnerships, including a team of nearly 300 personnel across approximately 30 clinics in Ghana.[8]
In July 2019, Lindberg joined the Export–Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) as a senior executive, overseeing a $50 billion portfolio.[9] During his tenure, he helped implement the "China and Transformational Exports Program," after the EXIM board adopted a new content policy in December 2020.[10]
Under Secretary of Agriculture
Donald Trump announced Lindberg's selection on January 16, 2025, via Truth Social.[11] The formal nomination was sent to the Senate (PN 12-26) on January 20, 2025.[3]
He was confirmed by the United States Senate on August 2, 2025, by a vote of 78–17.[12]
One month into his tenure, Lindberg and Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a three-point plan to "support U.S. Agricultural Farmers, Ranchers, Producers, and Exporters".[13]
Personal life
Lindberg lives in South Dakota with his wife, Brittany Thune Lindberg, and their two children.[14] Lindberg is the son-in-law of U.S. senator John Thune.[citation needed]