Quick Hit:

The Trump administration is cracking down on invasive blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced $6 million in grants for seafood processors and a $2 million pilot program to purchase wild-caught catfish for food banks—boosting rural jobs, supporting fisheries, and protecting the Bay.

Key Details:

• USDA is releasing $6 million in grants for processing invasive, wild-caught catfish.
  
  
• A $2 million USDA-Maryland pilot program will purchase catfish for food distribution networks.
  
  
• The program backs President Trump’s agenda to strengthen food security, revitalize rural America, and defend U.S. fisheries.

Diving Deeper:

In a clear demonstration of the Trump administration’s commitment to rural revitalization and environmental stewardship, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins unveiled a comprehensive plan to combat the invasive blue catfish crisis affecting the Chesapeake Bay. With Representative Andy Harris (R-MD) at her side, Rollins announced a two-pronged initiative—$6 million in USDA grant funding for seafood processors and a $2 million federal purchasing pilot aimed at transforming an ecological threat into an economic opportunity.

The blue catfish, an invasive predator species, has been wreaking havoc on the Chesapeake’s fragile marine ecosystem for years, outcompeting native fish and threatening the livelihoods of local watermen. The USDA’s plan will help processors scale operations to handle larger volumes of wild-caught catfish, creating good-paying jobs and establishing a new revenue stream for American fishermen. It’s a pragmatic, results-driven approach that aligns with President Trump’s directive to move quickly, innovate boldly, and prioritize American resilience.

“This is about more than just a funding announcement,” Rollins said. “It is about being able to feed ourselves and opening new markets for our fishermen and producers to continue their livelihoods.” Her remarks underscore a broader strategy that places national self-reliance at the forefront of agricultural and environmental policy. Rather than relying on imports or top-down regulation, the administration is empowering local businesses and communities to turn problems into solutions.

The new pilot program, operating in partnership with the Maryland Department of Agriculture, will purchase up to $2 million in blue catfish under Section 32 authority. The fish will be processed and distributed through food banks and charitable feeding networks, simultaneously reducing an ecological threat and delivering healthy protein to American families in need. It’s a model of efficient governance and compassionate conservatism—solving real problems while serving the public good.

Rep. Harris praised the move, calling it a “big win” for Maryland’s watermen and coastal communities. “This investment will help us fight back against the invasive blue catfish species that’s threatening our native fisheries and hurting local economies,” he said, reinforcing the Trump administration’s role in protecting both jobs and the environment.

Grant applications will be accepted through October 6, 2025, with eligible projects receiving between $250,000 and $1 million. Applicants must match 50% of the total cost. These grants will help processors modernize facilities, adopt new technologies, and train workers—all critical steps toward building a stronger, more self-sufficient domestic seafood industry.

The Trump administration’s catfish initiative is a textbook example of how conservative governance can deliver measurable outcomes: defending natural resources, building economic opportunity, and restoring American strength from the ground up. While the previous administration deferred action or tied it up in bureaucracy, President Trump’s team is getting results. The message is clear—under this leadership, the federal government serves the people, not the other way around.