President Donald Trump announced on Monday his intention to nominate Keith Sonderling as the next secretary of labor. Sonderling has been serving as the acting head of the Department of Labor since April, following the resignation of former labor secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, whose tenure was marked by challenges within the agency.
Sonderling’s appointment will require confirmation by the Senate before he can assume the role on a permanent basis. Prior to his current position, he served as deputy labor secretary and has a history of experience within the department, including a role during the first Trump administration as the acting administrator of the Wage and Hour Division.
In a social media statement, Trump praised Sonderling for his commitment to “delivering strong results for Hardworking People of our Country,” expressing confidence that he will perform effectively in the new position. Sonderling responded on X, formerly known as Twitter, expressing gratitude for the president’s trust and affirming his intention to further advance the administration’s agenda in support of American workers, families, unions, and employers.
The nomination comes at a time when the Department of Labor faces ongoing pressures related to labor policies and workforce development, placing Sonderling in a key position to influence the administration’s approach to employment regulations and labor standards.
