Keith Sonderling nominated for U.S. Labor Secretary as Senate debates overtime and AI policies

President Donald Trump has nominated Keith Sonderling to lead the U.S. Department of Labor. Sonderling, a former EEOC member and adjunct professor, has served as acting secretary since April after Lori Chavez‑DeRemer left for the private sector.

During his confirmation hearing, Democratic senators criticized the department’s recent rollback of a Biden‑era overtime rule that would have extended overtime pay to an estimated four million low‑wage workers. They also warned that a pending rule on employee versus independent‑contractor classification could allow corporations to reduce wages. The hearing also addressed concerns about the growing use of artificial intelligence in the workplace, with the Labor Department collecting data to guide job‑training funding.

Sonderling defended the department’s handling of Department of Education grant programs now administered by Labor, citing rapid disbursement of $1.5 billion in funds. He emphasized his experience across private practice, academia, and federal service as he believes will benefit American workers.