Trump Announces Nomination of Keith Sonderling as Labor Secretary
President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he is nominating Keith Sonderling to serve as the permanent U.S. secretary of labor. Sonderling currently holds the position as acting secretary after Lori Chavez-DeRemer announced her departure in April.
"It is my Great Honor to announce that I am nominating Keith E. Sonderling, the outstanding Acting United States Secretary of Labor, to be permanent," Trump wrote. "Keith previously served as Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer and, during my First Term, worked at the U.S. Department of Labor as the Acting and Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division."
Trump added: "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."
Sonderling's Response and Background
Sonderling thanked Trump in his own social media post, stating: "I am deeply grateful to President Trump for his trust and confidence. Serving in both of President Trump’s Administrations has been the greatest honor of my life. If confirmed by the Senate, I look forward to continuing that service as Secretary of Labor and advancing the President’s agenda on behalf of America’s workers, families, unions, and job creators."
Sonderling previously served at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and was later tapped by Trump to serve as deputy labor secretary. He also served as acting director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and acting under secretary of commerce for minority business development in 2025.
Controversial Actions on Unemployment Fraud
Sonderling recently made headlines when he sent letters to 53 states and union territories demanding they take action to "combat waste, fraud, and abuse" within the unemployment insurance program. He threatened to withhold administrative funds for the first time in history.
"We are officially putting governors on notice," Sonderling said on June 17. "The American people will no longer tolerate the blatant waste, fraud, and abuse of their hard-earned tax dollars – no state should allow it either. 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."
Appearing on Fox News, Sonderling claimed Democrat-led states – specifically California, New York, and Illinois – had the highest instances of fraud, though he provided no evidence of the alleged fraud in unemployment systems. "I will essentially cut off the states’ administrative funds and then they won’t be able to administer this unemployment insurance due to the fraud," he said.
Predecessor's Resignation Amid Allegations
In April, Chavez-DeRemer stepped down after a series of misconduct allegations, which prompted an internal investigation. The claims included having a sexual relationship with a member of her security team, sending her staff to pick up liquor, and attempting to use business trips as excuses for personal travel. Chavez-DeRemer’s husband, Shawn DeRemer, also faced a series of allegations, including having sexually assaulted two female staff members.
