Keith Sonderling, the man who stepped up when scandal forced out his predecessor, has now been tapped by President Donald Trump to lead the Department of Labor for good.
Trump announced Monday on Truth Social that he’s nominating Sonderling, who has served as acting labor secretary since April, to fill the position permanently. The move would give the department stable leadership after months of turmoil following the resignation of Lori Chavez-DeRemer.
“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,” Trump wrote in his announcement.
Sonderling is no stranger to the Labor Department or to Trump’s confidence. He previously served as deputy labor secretary and, during Trump’s first term, held the position of acting administrator of the department’s Wage and Hour Division. His experience within the agency spans years of work on behalf of American workers.
The deputy secretary position gave Sonderling a proving ground. The Senate confirmed him to that role by a vote of 53-46 in March 2025, demonstrating he can win bipartisan support in a closely divided chamber.
That experience could prove valuable in the confirmation process ahead. The nomination will typically go before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee before reaching the full Senate for a vote.
Sonderling assumed the acting role under difficult circumstances. Chavez-DeRemer resigned in April following a series of investigations into alleged misconduct involving her and her husband. The cloud of scandal left the department in need of steady hands, and Sonderling was called upon to provide them.
The Labor Department oversees critical functions affecting millions of American workers and their families. From wage protections to workplace safety regulations, the department touches the daily lives of hardworking people across the nation. Having permanent leadership rather than an acting secretary allows for longer-term planning and more decisive action on the administration’s priorities.
Trump’s decision to elevate Sonderling from within rather than bringing in an outside pick signals confidence in the current direction of the department. It also provides continuity during a period when the administration is pushing forward on multiple economic and labor policy fronts.
The nomination comes as American workers face ongoing challenges in the labor market. Inflation, though easing, has eaten into paychecks. Manufacturing jobs remain a priority for an administration focused on bringing production back to American shores. A confirmed labor secretary will be better positioned to advance these goals than one serving in an acting capacity.
Sonderling’s path to permanent confirmation appears smoother than many Trump nominees have faced. His previous confirmation vote showed he can attract some Democratic support, and his time as acting secretary has been relatively free of controversy.
