The White House announced on Monday that President Donald Trump has nominated acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling to serve as the permanent U.S. labor secretary. If confirmed, Sonderling would assume the Cabinet post after leading the Labor Department on an acting basis since former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer's departure in April.
Sonderling would continue overseeing the department's efforts to enforce federal labor laws, administer workforce programs, and implement the administration's employment agenda. The nomination was made through a statement on social media, where Trump praised Sonderling's dedication to delivering strong results for the American workforce.
Sonderling has a long history with the Labor Department, having previously served as Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer. In his first term, he worked at the U.S. Department of Labor as the Acting and Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division.
Trump expressed confidence in Sonderling's ability to excel in his new role, stating that he has proven his dedication to the American people. Sonderling's confirmation would come after a period of turmoil at the Labor Department, marked by a whistleblower complaint against Chavez-DeRemer and an ongoing investigation by the department's inspector general.
The complaints against Chavez-DeRemer included allegations of having an affair with a member of her security detail, drinking on the job, creating a hostile work environment, and directing staff to perform personal errands at taxpayer expense. Chavez-DeRemer has denied the allegations, and an investigation into the claims is ongoing.
