UN Names US Agriculture Official Luke Lindberg to Lead World Food Program

The United Nations announced Friday the appointment of U.S. agriculture official Luke Lindberg to head the World Food Program, the U.N. agency focused on responding to hunger in global conflicts, crises, and emergencies. Lindberg, the son-in-law of Senate Majority Leader John Thune, currently serves as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs.

Lindberg, 37, will succeed Cindy McCain as executive director of the Rome-based agency. The appointment was jointly announced by U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu, following agreement from the WFP's board.

The World Food Program, which relies on donations, is currently facing significant funding challenges. The agency reports that as many as 266 million people are experiencing acute hunger, but due to funding shortfalls, it aims to assist only 110 million people this year. The United States has historically been the largest donor to the WFP, and an American has led the agency since the early 1990s.

Lindberg was nominated for the role by President Donald Trump. A native of South Dakota, he previously founded and led the South Dakota Trade Association, focusing on expanding the state's exports. He also served as chief of staff and chief strategy officer at the U.S. Export-Import Bank during the first Trump administration.

Guterres and Qu expressed gratitude to Cindy McCain for her leadership. McCain, the widow of the late Senator John McCain, stepped down in February after experiencing a mild stroke in October 2025. The U.N. officials credited her with guiding the program through a challenging period and advocating for those affected by hunger and conflict.

Carl Skau, the WFP's deputy executive director, will continue in his role until Lindberg assumes his new position. Skau had been serving as acting chief executive since McCain's departure.