U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Acting Labor Minister Keith Sonderling as labor minister, a post that had been vacant for more than two months.
On the 29th (local time), President Trump said on his social media Truth Social, "I am very honored to nominate the outstanding Acting Labor Minister Sonderling as labor minister."
Sonderling, the nominee, must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate to be appointed as the official minister.
Sonderling served as acting director of the Wage and Hour Division and vice administrator at the Labor Department in Trump's first administration, and was appointed deputy minister of labor in Trump's second administration. On Apr. 20, after former Labor Minister Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned, he has served as acting labor minister.
President Trump said, "Keith has consistently demonstrated his commitment to delivering outstanding results for America's hardworking people," adding, "I am confident he will deliver great results in his new role."
Earlier, former Minister Chavez-DeRemer, who was the first labor minister in the second Trump administration, resigned while under investigation by the Labor Department's inspector general over allegations of an inappropriate relationship with an employee, improper travel expense claims, and drinking on duty. In Washington political circles, the resignation at the time was effectively regarded as a dismissal.