Keith Sonderling Confirmed As Next Secretary Of Labor

The Senate has confirmed President Trump’s nominee, Keith Sonderling, to serve as Secretary of Labor. The vote, held September 30, was 47 to 41.

Sonderling has served as Deputy Secretary of Labor since March 2025. He previously served on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as a Commissioner (2020-2024) and Vice Chair (2020-2021). During the first Trump Administration, he served as Deputy and Acting Administrator of DOL’s Wage and Hour Division.

Sonderling already serves as Acting Secretary, so employers can expect a continuation of the disciplined approach that the Labor Department has taken under his leadership. However, Senate confirmation may give the department greater latitude to move forward with policy, regulatory, and enforcement initiatives, so employers should not be surprised if DOL takes a more active role in advancing the Administration’s workplace policy agenda.

Click here to read more from the Center for Workplace Compliance (CWC), our affiliated nonprofit membership association. CWC members can track the status of key Trump Administration officials using CWC’s nominations and appointments tracker resource.