Acting Labor chief says Trump delivered on promise to bring high-paying jobs back to US
Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling affirms President Trump’s campaign promise to bring high-paying private sector jobs back to the U.S. He highlights a surge in manufacturing and construction jobs, crediting substantial investment by companies like Lockheed Martin and Toyota. Sonderling emphasizes the administration’s focus on upskilling American workers for these in-demand roles, boosting the economy.
NEWYou can now listen to articles!
President Donald Trump on Monday nominated acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling to serve as U.S. labor secretary, sending his pick to the Senate for confirmation.
If confirmed, Sonderling would formally assume the Cabinet post after leading the Labor Department on an acting basis since former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s departure in April. He would continue overseeing the department’s efforts to enforce federal labor laws, administer workforce programs and implement the administration’s employment agenda.
“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 announced on Truth Social. “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.
“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 added.
ACTING LABOR SECRETARY SONDERLING: A FAST-TRACK WAY TO GET A JOB WITHOUT COLLEGE DEBT
Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling testifies before the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on May 19, 2026, in Washington, DC. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Chavez-DeRemer left the Labor Department in April, when the White House announced Sonderling would serve as acting labor secretary.
ACTING LABOR SECRETARY SONDERLING: A FAST-TRACK WAY TO GET A JOB WITHOUT COLLEGE DEBT
Lori Chavez-DeRemer left her post as labor secretary amid an inspector general investigation into allegations of misconduct, (Annabelle Gordon/Bloomberg)
Chavez-DeRemer’s departure came after a whistleblower complaint accused her of having an affair with a member of her security detail, drinking on the job, creating a hostile work environment and directing staff to perform personal errands at taxpayer expense.
The Labor Department’s inspector general is investigating the allegations, which also include claims that Chavez-DeRemer’s husband made unwanted advances toward department officials and that family members routinely sent personal requests to young staffers, according to previous Digital reporting.
ACTING LABOR SECRETARY SONDERLING: A FAST-TRACK WAY TO GET A JOB WITHOUT COLLEGE DEBT
President Donald Trump nominated acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling to permanently lead the Labor Department, sending the pick to the Senate after Sonderling took over following Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s April departure. (Getty)
Reporting on the complaints indicates Chavez-DeRemer requested staff perform private errands for her and her husband, including picking up dry cleaning, purchasing wine and cleaning out the secretary’s closet, while allegedly using threats to ensure compliance.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE APP
Meanwhile, other complaints alleged drinking on the job and keeping stashes of liquor around the office, according to the New York Post, which first reported the complaints in January. Chavez-DeRemer has denied the allegations.
Digital’s Louis Casiano contributed to this report.
