WASHINGTON, D.C. — Donald Trump announced the nomination of Keith Sonderling to serve as the permanent U.S. Secretary of Labor. Sonderling is currently serving as the acting U.S. Secretary of Labor.

Sonderling assumed the acting secretary role after Lori Chavez-DeRemer announced her departure in April. Chavez-DeRemer stepped down from the position following misconduct allegations which included having a sexual relationship with a member of her security team and sending staff to pick up liquor. Chavez-DeRemer denied wrongdoing regarding the allegations, and federal prosecutors decided not to charge Shawn DeRemer after reviewing evidence.

President Trump stated, "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 also referenced Sonderling's prior service, saying, "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."

Sonderling responded to the nomination, stating, "I am deeply grateful to President Trump for his trust and confidence." He added, "Serving in both of President Trump's Administrations has been the greatest honor of my life." If confirmed by the Senate, Sonderling said he looks 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." The position of U.S. Secretary of Labor requires Senate confirmation. Sonderling was previously confirmed as deputy secretary of labor in a 53-46 vote along party lines.

As acting secretary, Sonderling sent letters to 53 states and union territories demanding action to combat waste, fraud, and abuse within the unemployment insurance program. He threatened to withhold administrative funds from states concerning the program. On June 17, 2025, Sonderling stated, "We are officially putting governors on notice." He continued, "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." He added, "If states allow it, they will suffer the consequences." Sonderling also claimed, "This department is no longer afraid to use every lever available to ensure taxpayer money is protected." In a media appearance, Sonderling stated that Democrat-led states, specifically California, New York, and Illinois, have the highest instances of fraud in unemployment systems. He said he would "essentially cut off the states' administrative funds and then they won't be able to administer this unemployment insurance due to the fraud."

Why It Matters

The nomination of Keith Sonderling for U.S. Secretary of Labor initiates a Senate confirmation process for the leader of the agency responsible for protecting and promoting the welfare of American workers, job seekers, and retirees. Sonderling's prior experience in various governmental roles, including his current tenure as acting secretary and his previous service at the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, contributes to his qualifications for the role. His recent actions demonstrate a focus on addressing fraud within unemployment insurance programs, indicating a potential policy direction for the department under his leadership.