WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Monday that he intends to nominate Keith Sonderling to permanently lead the Department of Labor, moving him up from his current role as the agency’s acting head. The announcement comes roughly two months after Sonderling’s predecessor stepped down under a cloud of misconduct allegations.
Sonderling brings a legal background and an extensive history of serving in various acting and leadership capacities within the Trump administration. Before taking on the acting secretary role, he served as the deputy labor secretary and previously sat as a Republican appointee on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Trump shared the news on Truth Social, praising Sonderling’s track record. “Throughout his career, Keith has proven his dedication to delivering strong results for the Hardworking People of our Country, and I know he will do an incredible job in his new role,” the president wrote.
Before Sonderling can officially take the job, his nomination must be approved by the U.S. Senate.
The vacancy was created when Lori Chavez-DeRemer left her post in April following a wave of reports that she was the subject of multiple investigations. According to a report from The New York Times, the Labor Department’s internal watchdog had been reviewing evidence suggesting that Chavez-DeRemer, along with her senior aides and family members, regularly sent personal messages and made personal requests of younger staff members.
She also faced separate claims that she consumed alcohol while on duty and used government aides to organize official travel that was primarily intended to serve personal purposes. Chavez-DeRemer has denied any wrongdoing.
