Story perspectives

Trump Nominates Keith Sonderling as Labor Secretary

6/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he will nominate Keith Sonderling as permanent Labor Secretary.
Sonderling has been acting Labor Secretary since Lori Chavez-DeRemer left in April.
Sonderling urged governors to fight unemployment-insurance scams and said the department will protect taxpayer dollars.
Sonderling’s résumé includes prior deputy secretary, chief operating officer, Wage and Hour Division leader roles and an EEOC commissioner seat confirmed in September 2020.

History

Historical Context

After Bill Clinton confirmed Robert Reich as Labor Secretary on Jan 21 1993, Reich pushed the Family and Medical Leave Act, raised the federal minimum wage and championed NAFTA, which the House approved 234-200 that November. He left the post in 1996. Today, Keith Sonderling, succeeding acting secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, is nominated to continue that enforcement focus.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he will nominate Keith Sonderling as permanent Labor Secretary.
Sonderling has been acting Labor Secretary since Lori Chavez-DeRemer left in April.
Sonderling urged governors to fight unemployment-insurance scams and said the department will protect taxpayer dollars.
Sonderling’s résumé includes prior deputy secretary, chief operating officer, Wage and Hour Division leader roles and an EEOC commissioner seat confirmed in September 2020.

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