President Donald Trump on Monday said he will nominate Keith Sonderling to serve as the permanent U.S. secretary of labor, promoting the acting chief who has been running the agency since April. Sonderling stepped into the acting role after Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned amid questions about her office's conduct. The pick still has to clear the U.S. Senate before it becomes official.
Trump rolled out the choice on Truth Social, saying Sonderling has "proven his dedication" to delivering results for the country, according to The Associated Press. The outlet notes that Sonderling has held multiple roles across the Labor Department and previously served as a Republican commissioner on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Background and confirmation record
Sonderling was confirmed as deputy labor secretary in March 2025 on a 53-46 Senate vote, giving him experience under Senate scrutiny that could shape the looming confirmation process, according to Congress.gov. He moved into the acting secretary job on April 20 after Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned, following reports that the department's inspector general was reviewing internal messages and other conduct, as detailed by The Washington Post.
What his nomination could mean for policy
Trade and industry outlets say a full confirmation for Sonderling would likely cement employer-friendly priorities on rulemaking and enforcement, including apprenticeship policy and wage issues, according to reporting in the trade press. ENR reports that construction and apprenticeship programs are among the areas that could see sustained attention. The department under Sonderling has also emphasized program integrity; he signed a June 17 letter to governors pledging tougher action on unemployment-insurance fraud, a document posted by the Department of Labor.
What's next in the Senate
The White House still has to formally send the nomination to Capitol Hill before the Senate can take it up. Once transmitted, it will be referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee for hearings and a committee vote ahead of a decision by the full Senate. Sonderling's earlier 53-46 confirmation for the deputy post underscored how narrowly divided support can be, according to Congress.gov. The HELP committee typically holds hearings for cabinet-level nominees and posts its schedules on its website, per the Senate HELP Committee.
Labor groups will watch closely
Labor leaders have argued that the department needs a secretary who will actively defend worker protections. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in April that the country needs "a labor secretary who understands working people," according to The Washington Post. With the nomination now public, unions, industry groups and senators from both parties are expected to press Sonderling on enforcement, apprenticeships and emerging issues such as the use of artificial intelligence in hiring.
