Keith Sonderling Takes Helm of Labor Department as 31st Secretary

Keith Sonderling participated in a ceremonial swearing-in as the 31st U.S. secretary of labor on October 9, following his Senate confirmation September 30 and official swearing-in October 2, according to a Department of Labor release.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent administered the ceremony in the Oval Office. Sonderling had led the department as acting secretary since April 2026, after previously serving as deputy secretary following Senate confirmation in March 2025.

President Donald Trump announced Sonderling’s nomination to lead the department on June 29.

“It is the honor of my life to serve as the 31st Secretary of Labor and continue my service to the Department under President Trump’s leadership,” Sonderling said.

Sonderling said his priorities include ensuring workers have access to training and resources needed for employment opportunities.

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“My mission is to ensure that American workers have the skills and resources they need to seize the incredible job opportunities being created across the country thanks to the tireless work of this Administration,” he said.

When announcing the nomination, Trump praised Sonderling’s record.

“Throughout his career, Keith has proven his dedication to delivering strong results for the Hardworking People of our Country, and I know he will do an incredible job in his new role,” Trump said.

As deputy secretary, Sonderling oversaw the department’s day-to-day operations, including strategic planning, budget formulation, financial management, information technology and human resources.

He previously served as a commissioner of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from September 2020 through August 2024, including as vice chair from 2020 to 2021. His work there included publishing and speaking about emerging workplace technology and the future of work, according to the department.

Following his EEOC service, Sonderling led Trump’s Labor Department transition team before returning to the department in January 2025.

During Trump’s first term, Sonderling held several positions in the department’s Wage and Hour Division between 2017 and 2020, including acting administrator, deputy administrator and senior policy adviser.

Sonderling also continues to serve as acting director of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, a position Trump designated him to hold in June 2026. During Trump’s second term, he has additionally served as acting director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and acting undersecretary of commerce for minority business development.

Before entering government service, Sonderling practiced labor and employment law as a partner at the Florida law firm Gunster.