Donald Trump announced his nomination of Keith Sonderling to serve as permanent US secretary of labor, formalizing a role the career administrator has held on an acting basis since April.
Sonderling steps into the position following the departure of his predecessor, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who announced she was leaving the role in April after facing misconduct allegations. Those claims included allegations of a sexual relationship with a member of her security team, as well as using staff for personal errands and attempting to disguise personal travel as official business. Her husband also faced allegations of sexual assault involving two female staff members.
In announcing the nomination on Truth Social, Trump highlighted Sonderling's track record, noting his previous service as deputy secretary and chief operating officer at the Labor Department, as well as his earlier tenure as acting and deputy administrator of the department's Wage and Hour Division during Trump's first term. "Keith has proven his dedication to delivering strong results for the Hardworking People of our Country," Trump wrote.
Sonderling responded with gratitude, calling his service in both Trump administrations "the greatest honor of my life." He signaled he would push the president's labor agenda if confirmed by the Senate, pledging to advance initiatives benefiting "America's workers, families, unions, and job creators."
Sonderling has already made his mark in the acting role through aggressive enforcement actions. In June, he sent letters to 53 states and US territories ordering them to crack down on what he characterized as systemic waste and fraud in unemployment insurance programs. For the first time in departmental history, he threatened to withhold administrative funds from non-compliant states.
"The American people will no longer tolerate the blatant waste, fraud, and abuse of their hard-earned tax dollars," Sonderling declared on June 17. "If states allow it, they will suffer the consequences. This department is no longer afraid to use every lever available to ensure taxpayer money is protected."
During an appearance on Fox News, Sonderling singled out Democrat-led states including California, New York, and Illinois as having the highest instances of fraud in their unemployment systems, though he did not provide documentation supporting those claims. He indicated he would cut off administrative funding to states failing to address the alleged problems, effectively paralyzing their ability to operate the programs.
Sonderling brings broader federal experience beyond the Labor Department. He has served at the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and held acting roles at the Institute of Museum and Library Services and as under secretary of commerce for minority business development in 2025.
Author James Rodriguez: "Sonderling's hardline approach on fraud signals where the second Trump administration is headed on federal spending oversight, but he'll need Senate confirmation to make it official."
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