On June 29, 2026, President Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Keith Sonderling as the Secretary of Labor, elevating him from his current position as acting director of the agency. This decision comes two months after Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned from the role amid a series of investigations into allegations of misconduct.

In his announcement, Trump praised Sonderling's dedication and experience, stating that he has proven his commitment to delivering strong results for American workers. Sonderling has previously served in various leadership roles within the Trump administration, including as Deputy Secretary of Labor.

Keith Sonderling has a robust background in labor policy and administration. Before becoming the acting director, he was the Deputy Secretary of Labor and also served as a Republican member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. His extensive experience in these roles has equipped him with the knowledge necessary to lead the Labor Department effectively.

Sonderling's tenure as acting director has been marked by significant actions, including placing many agency staff members on administrative leave and initiating the cancellation of various grants and contracts. His leadership style has been characterized by a focus on accountability and efficiency within the department.

As he prepares for his nomination, Sonderling has emphasized the administration's commitment to bringing high-paying jobs back to the United States and upskilling American workers for in-demand roles. He has highlighted recent surges in manufacturing and construction jobs, attributing this growth to substantial investments from major companies.

Sonderling's nomination is now subject to Senate confirmation, where he will likely face questions about his previous actions as acting director and his vision for the Labor Department moving forward. If confirmed, he aims to continue the administration's efforts to enhance job opportunities and economic growth for American workers.