From Seattletimes · · 1m 20s
UN Appoints U.S. Agriculture Official to Head World Food Program
U.S. agriculture official Luke Lindberg named head of UN's World Food Program amid funding challenges.
In brief
U.S. agriculture official Luke Lindberg named head of UN's World Food Program amid funding challenges. Luke Lindberg, U.S. agriculture undersecretary, will lead World Food Program as it faces funding shortfalls to feed 110 million people. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
UN Announces New World Food Program Head
The United Nations announced Friday the appointment of U.S. agriculture official Luke Lindberg to head the World Food Program.
Lindberg Replaces Cindy McCain
Lindberg, the son-in-law of Senate Majority Leader John Thune, will replace Cindy McCain as executive director of the Rome-based World Food Program.
WFP Faces Funding Shortfalls
The World Food Program aims to help 110 million people this year despite 266 million facing acute hunger due to funding cuts.
U.S. Leadership in WFP Donations
The United States has been the largest donor to the U.N. food agency since the early 1990s, with Lindberg now leading the program.
Lindberg's Background
Lindberg, 37, founded the South Dakota Trade Association and served as chief of staff at the U.S. Export-Import Bank during Trump's first term.
McCain Steps Down After Stroke
Cindy McCain stepped down in February after suffering a mild stroke in October 2025, with Guterres and Qu praising her leadership.
What to remember
Luke Lindberg, U.S. agriculture undersecretary, will lead World Food Program as it faces funding shortfalls to feed 110 million people.
