The United States Senate has confirmed Keith Sonderling as the nation's 31st Secretary of Labor, providing President Donald Trump with a permanent leader for a key federal department. The confirmation vote, held on Wednesday night, September 30, 2026, passed 47-41, shortly before lawmakers departed Washington D.C. to campaign for the upcoming November midterm elections. This appointment concludes a period of interim leadership and uncertainty for the Department of Labor.
Mr. Sonderling had been leading the department in an acting capacity for nearly six months, stepping into the role after the resignation of former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer in April. President Trump officially announced his intention to nominate Sonderling for the permanent position in late June, with the nomination subsequently advancing through the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee by a narrow 12-11 vote.
The confirmation process highlighted the partisan divisions surrounding labor policy in the current political climate. Republicans largely supported Mr. Sonderling's nomination, emphasizing his extensive background in federal labor policy and workplace regulation. Major business organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, publicly praised his qualifications and his experience navigating complex employment rules and regulations.
Conversely, Democrats and labor advocacy groups voiced strong opposition to the nomination. Their concerns centered on the Trump administration's broader approach to worker protections, organized labor, and federal regulation. Senator Patty Murray of Washington, a prominent Democratic voice, criticized the administration's labor agenda during the confirmation proceedings. She argued that certain administration policies could potentially weaken overtime protections and organized labor, while disproportionately benefiting large corporations.
Mr. Sonderling brings a robust professional background to his new role. His career includes years of experience in both employment law and federal government service. During President Trump's first administration, he held senior positions within the Labor Department. He later served as a Republican commissioner on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Mr. Sonderling returned to the Labor Department during President Trump's second term, where he was confirmed as Deputy Labor Secretary in March 2025. Prior to his government service, he practiced employment law in Florida and taught at George Washington University.
As Secretary of Labor, Mr. Sonderling will oversee a broad spectrum of workplace and employment issues. His responsibilities will encompass wage regulations, employee classification rules, and workforce development initiatives. He will also be charged with enforcing workplace safety standards through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and protecting retirement benefits. A significant and growing area under his purview will be the impact of artificial intelligence on the labor market, including its effects on hiring practices, employment, workplace productivity, and worker protections. The Labor Department has increasingly focused on developing policies to address these emerging challenges.
Mr. Sonderling's permanent appointment brings a measure of stability to the Department of Labor, following a turbulent period marked by the resignation of his predecessor. Lori Chavez-DeRemer's departure in April came amid allegations of misconduct. A Labor Department inspector general report, released in September, detailed accusations involving the improper use of government resources, policy violations, and the creation of a hostile workplace environment. The report also described allegations of personal travel at government expense and an inappropriate relationship with a member of her security detail. Ms. Chavez-DeRemer disputed these accusations, with her attorney maintaining that she had not broken any laws.
With a confirmed Secretary now in place, the administration is poised to continue pursuing its labor policy objectives. Mr. Sonderling is expected to play a pivotal role in implementing President Trump's priorities concerning regulation, employment law, and workforce development. The department will maintain its oversight of OSHA workplace safety enforcement and federal wage-and-hour rules, ensuring continuity in essential governmental functions. This confirmation provides the Trump administration with a fully confirmed Cabinet official for the Labor Department as it heads into the final stretch before the November midterm elections.
