Luke J. Lindberg | |
|---|---|
| Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs | |
| Assumed office August 4, 2025 [1] | |
| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Alexis Taylor |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Norwich,Vermont,U.S. |
| Relations | John Thune (father-in-law) |
| Residence(s) | Harrisburg,South Dakota,U.S. |
| Education | University of Maryland (BA,MPP,MBA) |
| Occupation | Business executive,diplomat |
Luke J. Lindberg is an American businessman and diplomat who is serving the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) since 2025. [2] He is the founder,president,and chief executive officer of South Dakota Trade,a public–private partnership that promotes international trade for the state. [3]
Lindberg was raised in Norwich,Vermont,where his mother,Cheryl A. Lindberg,serves as town treasurer since 1996. [4] He graduated from Hanover High School in New Hampshire and earned a B.A. in Government &Politics,a Master of Public Policy,and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland. [5]
Lindberg began his career as a management consultant with IBM in Washington,D.C. [6] He later worked for Sanford World Clinic,helping guide the health system’s international expansion. [7]
In July 2019 Lindberg joined the Export–Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) as senior vice-president for external engagement. He was promoted on 31 December 2020 to Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer. [8] During his tenure,he helped implement the “China and Transformational Exports Program,”after the EXIM board adopted a new content policy in December 2020. [9]
Lindberg founded South Dakota Trade in 2023,a 501(c)(6) association that assists South Dakotan exporters. [5] In April 2025 Jesse Fonkert was named his successor as president and CEO,with Lindberg remaining until Senate confirmation of his USDA post. [10]
Lindberg is a senior fellow at the America First Policy Institute. [11] He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. [12]
President-elect Donald Trump announced Lindberg’s selection on 16 January 2025 via Truth Social. [13] The formal nomination was sent to the Senate (PN 12-26) on 20 January 2025. [14]
He was confirmed on August 2,2025 by a vote of 78–17. [15]
Lindberg lives in Harrisburg,South Dakota,with his wife,Brittany Thune Lindberg,daughter of U.S. Senator John Thune,and their two children. [16]