The US Department of Agriculture spent over $16,000 on large outdoor banners featuring President Donald Trump and former President Abraham Lincoln. The purchase came while the agency was reducing aid to schools and food banks.
Documents obtained by Salon show the banners were installed outside the USDA headquarters in Washington, DC. They were put up in May during the department’s 163rd anniversary.
At the same time, the USDA cut two federal programs created during the pandemic. Those programs provided about $1 billion to schools and food banks to buy food from local farms for low-income families.
A USDA spokesperson told CBS MoneyWatch that the department is focusing on “stable, proven solutions” rather than “short-term programs with no plan for longevity.” The spokesperson criticized the Biden administration’s previous funding choices.
The Commodity Credit Corporation, a government-owned group that funds farm support programs, previously financed those food aid efforts. The USDA said it wanted to move resources to projects with lasting results.
According to the report, Maryland contractor Timsco Graphics printed and installed the banners for $16,400. The work order called for three banners, but only two are currently hanging.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins praised the displays on X, saying President Trump’s “bold vision” is creating “a Golden Age for our farmers.” She also shared photos of the banners online.
Timsco CEO Keith Prichard posted an image of the Lincoln banner and another showing Trump and Rollins. He did not comment on the funding controversy in the post.
When asked about the decision, the USDA told Snopes that the banners mark important dates like Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day, along with the agency’s founding anniversary.
The agency said it is the only federal department based on the National Mall. It added that the displays honor Lincoln, the USDA’s founder, and Trump, who it called “the best advocate” for farmers and ranchers.
The Independent has contacted both the USDA and the White House for comment on the report and the spending decision.
