Country artist John Rich stepped into a new arena on July 10, officially sworn in as the Special Envoy for American Landowners during an Oval Office ceremony presided over by President Donald Trump.
The appointment, first announced in June through a United States Department of Agriculture news release, positions Rich to work alongside the USDA with a mandate focused on protecting private property rights and shielding landowners from harassment, intimidation, or pressure by outside interests. Rich’s family was present for the swearing-in, a moment the artist marked on X by expressing gratitude to Trump for “the opportunity to fight for my fellow Americans.”
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! (My Dad bought his first new suit in 25 years) I greatly thank @realDonaldTrump for giving me the opportunity to fight for my fellow Americans
— John Rich (@johnrich) July 10, 2026
Ben Carson Administers the Oath
The oath itself was administered by Ben Carson, who currently serves as National Advisor for Nutrition, Health, and Housing at the USDA. Carson offered his assessment of the new envoy on X following the ceremony, describing Rich as “a tireless champion for America, our freedoms, and the hardworking people who make this country strong” and expressing confidence that Rich would serve “with conviction, courage, and a deep love for our nation.”
.@johnrich is officially sworn in as Special Envoy for American Landowners pic.twitter.com/urQuSVOlhE
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) July 10, 2026
@JohnRich has officially been sworn in as Special Envoy for American Landowners in the Oval Office! pic.twitter.com/ZoZ284KX7D
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 10, 2026
It was an honor to swear in a great patriot @johnrich as Special Envoy for American Landowners during today’s ceremony at the @WhiteHouse.
John has always been a tireless champion for America, our freedoms, and the hardworking people who make this country strong. I know he will… https://t.co/MH3MTXzHGX
— Ben & Candy Carson (@RealBenCarson) July 10, 2026
A History Between Rich and Trump
The relationship between Rich and Trump stretches back to 2011, when Rich won Season 4 of Celebrity Apprentice — the NBC program Trump hosted before entering formal political life. Over the course of that season, Rich raised more than $1.3 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Season 4 of Celebrity Apprentice is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
With his new government role now official, Rich transitions from one of country music’s most vocal conservative voices into a formal advocacy position — one that will put him at the center of ongoing national debates over land use and property rights.
