Country music star John Rich is taking on a major new role beyond the stage. Best known as one half of the country duo Big & Rich and for his outspoken support of rural America, Rich has officially been sworn in as Special Envoy for American Landowners during a ceremony at the White House.
The swearing-in took place in the Oval Office on July 10, where Rich met with President Donald Trump and officially accepted the newly created position. The White House shared photos from the ceremony, showing Rich taking the oath of office and later meeting with the president, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
Rich, who has long advocated for farmers, ranchers, and private property owners, expressed his gratitude before the ceremony in a post on social media.
“Today, I’ll be sworn in as ‘Special Envoy for American Landowners’ by President Trump at the Oval. My family will be there with me! … I greatly thank President Trump for giving me the opportunity to fight for my fellow Americans.”
The ceremony was attended by members of Rich’s family, making the occasion especially meaningful. Rich even shared that his father purchased his first new suit in 25 years to attend the event—a personal detail that highlighted the significance of the milestone for the entire family.
According to information released alongside the appointment, Rich will work closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as an advocate for farmers, ranchers, and private landowners across the country. His role is expected to focus on protecting private property rights, listening to the concerns of rural communities, and helping ensure landowners are represented in discussions involving land use and government policy.
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The position reflects causes Rich has championed for years. Throughout his music career and public appearances, he has frequently spoken in support of agricultural communities, rural families, and the importance of protecting privately owned land.
The oath of office was administered during an Oval Office ceremony, with former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson presiding over the swearing-in in his current advisory role. Following the ceremony, Carson praised Rich as “a tireless champion for America” and expressed confidence that he would serve with conviction and dedication.
Photos released by the White House captured Rich standing alongside President Trump inside the Oval Office, smiling as they commemorated the occasion. The images quickly spread across social media, where supporters congratulated the country singer on his appointment.
John Rich has enjoyed a successful career in country music spanning decades. In addition to chart-topping hits with Big & Rich, he has written songs for numerous artists and built a reputation as both a performer and songwriter. He also won Season 4 of Celebrity Apprentice in 2011, a show hosted by Donald Trump years before Trump’s presidency.
Now, Rich is stepping into public service while continuing to use his platform to advocate for issues he has long supported.
As Special Envoy for American Landowners, Rich is expected to travel, meet with farmers and landowners, and work alongside USDA officials to gather feedback from rural communities. The administration says the goal is to strengthen communication between government leaders and the people who own and work America’s farmland, while addressing concerns related to property rights and land use.
For John Rich, the appointment represents more than a career change. It marks an opportunity to move from entertaining audiences on stage to representing the interests of American landowners at the national level.
Whether fans know him for his country music, his television appearances, or his advocacy, Rich is now adding another title to his résumé—one that places him at the center of conversations about the future of America’s farms, ranches, and rural communities.