Why Keith Sonderling is the Man for the Moment at the U.S. Department of Labor
I had the honor of working directly with Acting Secretary of Labor, Keith Sonderling, during my time as Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Labor. As Deputy and Acting Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division, Keith was a standout colleague. He was sharp, collaborative and relentlessly focused on getting results for American workers.
Whether we were coordinating on global supply chain issues, aligning enforcement priorities, or developing innovative trade policies for USMCA, Keith brought deep expertise, steady judgement and a genuine commitment to engage with all. He put the needs of American workers and job creators first, never politics or ideology. Combining the practical wisdom that comes from government service, private-sector practice, and as an educator, Keith understands how to enforce the law vigorously while helping employers comply. Most importantly, he has the exact skills to prepare our workforce for the future and advance an America First agenda that delivers higher wages, more opportunity and strong opportunities for Americans. I saw firsthand his integrity, his relentless worth ethic, and the ability to lead complex initiatives across bureaus.
So why do I personally think Sonderling is the man for the moment? First, his ability to secure good jobs for workers and expand American innovation in the age of AI. Under the leadership of President Trump, Keith understands that America must win the future, not surrender it. Artificial intelligence and advanced technology are transforming how we work, produce, and compete, especially against China. The Acting Secretary spoke today in his Senate confirmation hearing about the important work he is doing engaging employers who are buying technology and the technology leaders who develop it, thru DOL’s AI Action Work Hub. The Acting Secretary was clear that we must develop an education system for American workers and students to have the baseline skills to succeed when it comes AI. He knows that accurate data on AI is essential, and is leading efforts to have the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) get information directly from the American worker through the BLS time study. This information will allow the Acting Secretary to develop smart policies that protect workers from unfair AI-driven decisions, while unleashing innovation so American companies can lead the world. It also means expanding apprenticeships, skills training, and workforce programs that give American workers, especially young men and women who want to build things, the practical abilities they need to thrive in manufacturing, trades, energy, and advanced industries.
Second, Keith truly understands the importance of building economic strength and national security through a powerful workforce. We know that a strong America starts with strong workers. The Secretary of Labor is essential to forging the economic resilience of our great country. This means rebuilding domestic manufacturing, unleashing American energy dominance, and ensuring our workers have the skills and opportunities to thrive. We need to modernize unemployment systems so they reward work instead of dependency, respond decisively to economic shocks or disasters, and protect retirement security so Americans can retire with dignity after a lifetime of hard work. In today’s dangerous world, our workforce is also national security imperative. We cannot rely on fragile foreign supply chains or adversaries for critical goods. A powerful, well-trained American workforce powers factories, secures our energy independence, and keeps our military and economy strong. As the Secretary of Labor, Keith will advance these policies, stop the offshoring of our industrial might, and ensure the United States dominates the industries of the future, delivering prosperity and security for our great nation. He mentioned today that my former office, Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), will be engaged in enhancing shipbuilding that will benefit the American worker and prioritize our national security.
Third, trade must work for American workers, not against them. The Secretary of Labor is the front line of this fight and I’ve worked closely with the Acting Secretary on this issue. Through trade enforcement, monitoring of foreign labor practices, and cracking down on goods made with forced labor, the Department protects hardworking Americans being undercut by countries that don’t play by the rules. Keith is a pragmatic innovator who in his short time at DOL has ensured that ILAB is only engaged in work that assists Americans in being more safe, secure and prosperous.
Finally, Keith is a rarity in DC—he is a good human. He is an active listener who engages with all. I’ve personally witnessed the Acting Secretary treat tough constituents with dignity and grace, and provide substantive engagement and follow-up. This is a rarity in D.C., but what good leadership looks like. I am honored to support Keith Sonderling as our next Secretary of Labor and I hope he is confirmed expeditiously.
By Martha Newton
Former Deputy Undersecretary, Bureau of International Labor Affairs
United States Department of Labor
