Bipartisan Decision Shakes Up Labor Secretary Appointment—Who’s Leading Now?

Man speaking at podium with "TRUMP" sign.

Former Oregon Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer secured her position as Labor Secretary with a surprisingly strong bipartisan Senate vote of 67-32, completing President Trump’s cabinet while raising eyebrows from both parties.

Quick Takes

Chavez-DeRemer was confirmed with significant Democratic support despite being a Republican nominee
Some conservative senators opposed her nomination due to concerns about her pro-union positions
She will lead a department with nearly 16,000 employees and a proposed budget of $13.9 billion
The Labor Secretary received endorsements from several labor unions, including the International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Her confirmation completes President Trump’s cabinet appointments

Bipartisan Support Propels Trump’s Labor Pick

The Senate confirmed Lori Chavez-DeRemer as the new Secretary of Labor with a decisive 67-32 vote, demonstrating rare bipartisan support in today’s politically divided climate. The former Republican congresswoman from Oregon secured her position with backing from both sides of the aisle, though not without controversy within her own party. Notably, GOP Senators Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul, and Ted Budd voted against her confirmation, signaling concerns about her positions on labor issues that some conservatives view as too favorable to unions.

As the head of the Labor Department, Chavez-DeRemer will oversee nearly 16,000 employees with a proposed budget of $13.9 billion for fiscal year 2025. Her responsibilities will include reporting unemployment rates, regulating workplace safety standards, and investigating labor disputes across the nation. The department plays a crucial role in enforcing worker rights and protections while balancing the needs of businesses and the broader economy, making it a pivotal position within the administration.

Walking a Political Tightrope

Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation process revealed her delicate balancing act between conservative principles and pro-labor positions. During her confirmation hearings, she faced scrutiny for co-sponsoring the PRO Act, which supports union organizing – a position that raised red flags among right-to-work advocates. At the same time, she expressed support for state “right to work” laws that allow employees to refuse union membership, attempting to appeal to both traditional Republican values and labor-friendly Democrats.

“If confirmed, my job will be to implement President Trump’s policy vision. And my guiding principle will be President Trump’s guiding principal — ensuring a level playing field for businesses, unions and, most importantly, the American worker.” – Source

Her nomination received support from several labor unions, most notably the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which typically aligns with Democratic nominees. This cross-party appeal helped secure her confirmation despite reservations from conservative critics who questioned her commitment to right-to-work principles. During her confirmation hearings, Chavez-DeRemer was cautious about committing to raising the federal minimum wage, noting that such changes could potentially “shock the economy.”

Completing Trump’s Cabinet

With Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation, President Trump has now secured his entire cabinet, a milestone that supporters have noted came more quickly than during the previous administration. Her confirmation follows other high-profile appointments including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, forming a team that will implement the President’s agenda across all federal departments. The swift confirmation process has been highlighted as evidence of effective governance.

Some conservative voices have expressed concern about Chavez-DeRemer’s labor positions. RedState contributor Jennifer O’Connell criticized the appointment, suggesting it could potentially disrupt the right-to-work coalition that many Republicans champion. Even Chavez-DeRemer herself acknowledged that her record was “imperfect” from a conservative standpoint, though she pledged loyalty to implementing the President’s vision for American workers and businesses going forward.

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions initially voted 14-9 in favor of her nomination, setting the stage for the full Senate vote. Chavez-DeRemer also co-sponsored legislation to protect public-sector workers’ Social Security benefits during her time in Congress, though that effort stalled due to insufficient support. As she takes office, all eyes will be on how she navigates the complex interests of workers, unions, and businesses while implementing the administration’s labor priorities.