On May 13, 2026, employees at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) filed a lawsuit against Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, contending that her repetitive Christian messages violate the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The lawsuit, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, centers on an Easter email Rollins sent to approximately 100,000 employees.

In her email, Rollins described Easter as "the foundation of our faith" and included phrases such as, "Jesus has been raised from the dead," which several employees found excessively religious and inappropriate for a government official to disseminate. Ethan Roberts, a USDA employee and union leader, has taken a prominent role in the complaint, asserting that the message amounted to a "pro-Christianity sermon."

The lawsuit claims Rollins has engaged in an escalating pattern of partisan sermonizing that culminated with this Easter message. The plaintiffs argue that these communications have created a coercive atmosphere for employees, who feel pressured to align with Rollins' religious views.

The plaintiffs, represented by the National Federation of Federal Employees and various legal groups, are seeking a court order to prevent further proselytization attempts from Rollins. USDA spokesperson Michael Abboud responded by stating that Rollins is "within her rights" to send such a message.

This lawsuit forms part of broader concerns regarding the Trump administration’s policies promoting Christianity in government, including recent efforts to allow federal employees to pray at work and proselytize. Critics argue these policies create an environment in which certain religious beliefs are favored, undermining the principle of government neutrality regarding religion.

The case is set against a backdrop of increasing tensions surrounding the separation of church and state in public offices, raising important questions about the limits of religious expression in government communication.

As this legal matter unfolds, it highlights the ongoing debate over religious freedoms and the obligations of government officials to maintain a secular work environment.