Senate Confirms Keith Sonderling as 31st Secretary of Labor

The U.S. Senate confirmed Keith Sonderling as the 31st Secretary of Labor on Wednesday in a 47-41 party-line vote. The confirmation served as the Senate's final act before recessing for the November midterm elections. Sonderling had served as acting secretary since April 2026, following the departure of Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who resigned amid allegations of abuse of power and a "toxic" work environment.

A veteran of the Department of Labor and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from the first Trump administration, Sonderling is known for pro-business initiatives such as the 2026 Trump Independent Contractor rule and the expansion of private-sector apprenticeships. He has stated that eliminating antisemitism and all religious bias in the workplace is a priority for the administration.

Republicans praised Sonderling's commitment to reducing regulations and helping workers navigate AI-driven changes in the workforce. Conversely, Democrats opposed the nomination, arguing that his leadership would undercut labor unions and strip overtime protections for workers. The appointment comes as President Donald Trump continues efforts to fulfill a campaign pledge to close the Department of Education entirely.