Keith Sonderling, acting US secretary of labor, during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies hearing in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
Al Drago | Bloomberg | Getty Images
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on Monday that he would nominate Keith Sonderling, who is acting labor secretary, to take on the role permanently, which would require Senate approval.
“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 said in the social media post.
Sonderling has been acting labor leader since April after then-Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned amid allegations of misconduct at the department.
Sonderling has held several roles in the federal government, including in Trump’s first term. Last year, Trump tapped Sonderling from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to be the Labor Department’s chief operating officer.
Sonderling was confirmed for his deputy position by the Republican-controlled Senate in a 53-46 vote.
