U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he has permanently nominated Keith Sonderling, who has been serving as Acting Secretary of Labor, to the post pending Senate confirmation.
Trump's Nomination Announcement
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump described Sonderling as "outstanding," saying: "I am greatly honored to nominate Keith E. Sonderling to the position of U.S. Secretary of Labor permanently, a role he has been performing on an acting basis." Trump also noted that Sonderling had previously served as Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer and worked as acting and deputy administrator of the Wage and Hour Division during his first presidential term.
Sonderling's Career and Acting Tenure
Sonderling took over as acting secretary in April after former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer left the post. Sonderling, who has served as deputy secretary and chief operating officer, is an experienced figure in enforcing federal labor laws, managing workforce programs and implementing the administration's employment agenda.
Allegations Against Former Secretary Chavez-DeRemer
Chavez-DeRemer's resignation came amid an inspector general investigation prompted by a whistleblower who accused her of having a relationship with a member of her security detail, consuming alcohol in the workplace, creating a hostile work environment and using employees for personal errands. The whistleblower letter also alleged that Chavez-DeRemer's husband made inappropriate approaches to department officials and that family members routinely made personal requests of junior staff.
The complaints, first reported by the NY Post in January, alleged that Chavez-DeRemer asked staff to perform personal tasks such as picking up dry cleaning for her and her husband, buying wine and emptying her departmental closet, and using threats to ensure compliance. The former secretary denies all allegations.
The investigation by the Labor Department's inspector general is ongoing.
