 She retired from state service in 2016 and returned to federal service in 2018 when she was nominated by President Trump.On February 13, 2018, U.S. President Donald Trump selected Earp for Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).While still waiting for Senate confirmation, she was appointed as Deputy Assistant Secretary on January 28, 2019, after taking the oath of office for that subordinate position.