Key facts
- President Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Keith Sonderling for Labor Secretary.
- Keith Sonderling is currently serving as the acting labor secretary.
- Sonderling's nomination requires Senate confirmation.
- Sonderling previously held roles as Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer at the Department of Labor.
- Sonderling recently demanded states combat unemployment insurance fraud, threatening to withhold funds.
President Donald Trump announced on social media platform Truth Social that he intends to nominate Keith Sonderling to permanently serve as the Secretary of Labor. Sonderling has been acting as the head of the Department of Labor since April, following the resignation of Lori Chavez-DeRemer amid misconduct allegations. Trump expressed confidence in Sonderling's dedication to workers and his ability to excel in the role. Sonderling thanked Trump, stating his service in both administrations has been the greatest honor of his life and he looks forward to advancing the President's agenda for America's workers. Recently, Sonderling sent letters to 53 states and union territories demanding action against unemployment insurance fraud, threatening to withhold administrative funds for the first time in history if states do not comply. He claimed Democrat-led states have the highest instances of fraud but provided no evidence. Sonderling previously served as Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer at the Department of Labor, and as Acting and Deputy Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division. He also held roles at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and as acting director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. His actions at the Institute of Museum and Library Services, where he placed staff on leave and fired board members, were blocked by a judge and remain on appeal.