President Donald Trump has secured a permanent leader for the U.S. Department of Labor after the Senate confirmed Keith Sonderling as labor secretary, ending months in which the agency had been operating under his acting leadership.
Senators approved Sonderling’s nomination on September 30 by a 47-41 vote. The official Senate record lists 12 senators as not voting. The confirmation makes Sonderling the 31st U.S. secretary of labor.
Sonderling Moves From Acting Role to Permanent Secretary
Although Wednesday’s vote formally installed Sonderling in the Cabinet position, he was already familiar with running the department.
Trump designated him acting labor secretary on April 20, 2026, after Lori Chavez-DeRemer left the administration. Sonderling had previously been confirmed as deputy labor secretary in March 2025 before moving into the acting role.
His confirmation therefore formalizes responsibilities he has exercised for several months and gives the administration a Senate-confirmed official to oversee its labor and workforce agenda.
Senate Approves Nomination in 47-41 Vote
The confirmation came shortly before senators left Washington for a break ahead of the November midterm elections.
The Senate had earlier voted 53-47 to invoke cloture on Sonderling’s nomination, clearing the procedural hurdle required to advance toward the final confirmation vote.
The final vote was recorded at 47 senators in favor and 41 against.
Trump Selected Sonderling for Permanent Position in June
Trump announced Sonderling as his choice for the permanent Labor Department position on June 29.
By that point, Sonderling had already accumulated extensive experience in federal employment policy. During Trump’s first administration, he served at the Labor Department before becoming a Republican commissioner on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
He returned to the Labor Department during Trump’s second administration and became deputy secretary before taking over as acting secretary. Before his federal government career, Sonderling practiced employment law in Florida.
New Labor Secretary Thanks Trump Following Confirmation
Following the Senate vote, Sonderling publicly welcomed his confirmation and thanked Trump for placing his confidence in him.
He described American workers and employers as central to the country’s economic strength and pledged to lead the Labor Department under the administration’s broader workforce agenda.
The department has responsibility for administering and enforcing federal laws covering areas including wages, workplace health and safety, retirement and health benefits, and other worker protections.
Republicans and Business Groups Back Sonderling
Republican lawmakers supporting the nomination emphasized Sonderling’s previous government experience and familiarity with federal employment regulations.
Business organizations also supported his elevation. Reuters reported that supporters pointed in part to his regulatory experience, including policies affecting whether workers are classified as employees or independent contractors.
Supporters have argued that his approach could reduce regulatory burdens on employers while giving businesses greater flexibility in managing their workforces.
Democrats and Labor Advocates Raise Concerns
Sonderling’s nomination also encountered significant opposition from Democratic lawmakers, unions and worker advocacy organizations.
Critics questioned his positions on workplace protections and expressed broader concerns about the Trump administration’s efforts to change federal labor regulations.
During the confirmation process, Democrats challenged Sonderling over his support for administration labor policies, while Republicans highlighted his previous experience at the Labor Department and EEOC.
Reuters reported that critics also pointed to Sonderling’s previous positions on protections for pregnant workers and proposals concerning company liability for wage violations involving contractors.
Confirmation Follows Chavez-DeRemer’s Departure
Sonderling’s elevation follows a turbulent leadership transition at the Labor Department after Chavez-DeRemer resigned earlier in 2026.
A Labor Department inspector general investigation subsequently detailed allegations concerning her conduct in office, including claims involving department resources and workplace management. Chavez-DeRemer disputed allegations of wrongdoing.
Sonderling had been running the department in an acting capacity since April while the administration sought a permanent replacement.
Artificial Intelligence Among Issues Facing Labor Department
Sonderling assumes permanent control of the department at a time when technological changes are reshaping the American workplace.
Artificial intelligence, automation and new employment models are creating questions surrounding worker classification, hiring practices, job displacement and workforce training.
His responsibilities also extend to federal workplace safety enforcement, wage regulations, retirement benefit protections and programs intended to prepare American workers for changing employment opportunities.
Trump Administration Secures Permanent Labor Leadership
With the confirmation process complete, Sonderling can now oversee the administration’s labor agenda with the authority of a Senate-confirmed Cabinet secretary.
The appointment gives Trump a permanent official at the head of an agency that plays a major role in determining how federal employment rules are interpreted and enforced.
As Sonderling begins his tenure as the 31st labor secretary, debates over workplace regulation, employee protections, independent contracting and the effects of artificial intelligence are likely to remain central issues facing the department.
