Sonderling to Labor
President Trump nominates Keith Sonderling as permanent Labor Department chief.
President Donald Trump on June 29, 2026, announced he will nominate Keith Sonderling as the permanent Secretary of Labor, according to CBS News. Sonderling has been running the agency on a temporary basis since April 20, after his predecessor, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, resigned amid abuse-of-power allegations.
Trump praised the pick on Truth Social, writing that Sonderling has "proven his dedication to delivering strong results for the Hardworking People of our Country," CBS News reported. The move signals the White House wants stability at the Labor Department after months of turmoil.
Chavez-DeRemer Scandal Forced a Sudden Leadership Change
Chavez-DeRemer, a former Oregon congresswoman, resigned on April 20, 2026, according to The Guardian. An Inspector General investigation reviewed thousands of personal messages she and her aides sent to junior staff, Associated Press reported. Allegations included misuse of staff for personal errands, drinking on the job, and steering grants to politically connected figures. At least four high-ranking officials were also forced out during the probe.
Chavez-DeRemer denied wrongdoing upon leaving. She blamed "Deep State actors" for the "turbulence" surrounding her exit, according to The Guardian. Her departure was part of a broader pattern — she was one of three female Cabinet members to leave the administration in early 2026, alongside Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Sonderling Brings a Long Government Resume to the Role
Sonderling is a Florida attorney and former partner at Gunster law firm. He served as a Commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and as the 38th Deputy Secretary of Labor, confirmed in a 53-46 Senate vote in March 2025, according to Reuters. During Trump's first term, he also led the Wage and Hour Division, where he rolled back several Obama-era rules.
His current portfolio is unusually wide. In addition to running the Labor Department, he was designated Acting Director of the Office of Government Ethics on June 23, 2026. Observers have called him one of the most empowered sub-Cabinet officials in modern history, a "Swiss Army Knife" of the administration, Associated Press reported.
Sonderling Pushes Deep Cuts and Targets State Fraud
Since taking over, Sonderling has moved fast. His proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 requests $10.7 billion — a cut of $2.6 billion from 2026 levels — and would reduce agency staff to 10,740 workers, according to Senate Appropriations Committee testimony. He has framed the cuts as an "efficiency-driven approach."
On June 17, Sonderling warned all 53 states and territories that he would withhold administrative funds unless they crack down on waste, fraud, and abuse in unemployment insurance programs, The Guardian reported. He cited $320 million in improper payments in Illinois and a $20 billion debt owed by California to the federal government from COVID-era loans. Sonderling said, "This department is no longer afraid to use every lever available to ensure taxpayer money is protected."
Democrats Ready a Fight, Business Leaders Cheer the Pick
The nomination faces a divided reception in Washington. Business groups have largely welcomed the news. The Washington Post reported that employer-side advocates lobbied for Sonderling because he was already "effectively directing policy and personnel" while Chavez-DeRemer was tied up in scandal. His expected confirmation vote is likely to be close, mirroring his 53-46 margin as Deputy Secretary.
Democrats are preparing a tough confirmation fight. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) called Sonderling's threats to withhold state funds "claims without data" aimed at punishing Democrat-led states like California and New York, according to The Guardian. Critics are also expected to raise his past EEOC dissents, in which he opposed expanding discrimination protections based on gender identity.
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