Keith Sonderling, whom President Donald Trump nominated as Secretary of Labor, has earned a bipartisan reputation as a "straightforward and accessible" figure, Newsmax reported on the 22nd (local time).

According to the White House, Sonderling's promotion to Acting Secretary of Labor followed the abrupt resignation of Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-Demer on Monday to take a position in the private sector.

Chavez-Demer's resignation came amid allegations of misconduct by her and her associates.

Sonderling, who has been serving as Deputy Secretary of Labor, will lead the agency in an acting capacity.

"I am grateful for the opportunity President Trump has given me to serve as Acting Secretary of Labor," Sonderling said on X on Tuesday night. "We will continue to fight, putting American workers first."

Sonderling is expected to normalize the Department of Labor, which has faced months of controversy and internal challenges, with his stable image and in-depth policy expertise.

This expectation stems from the fact that even those with ideological opposition regard him as a pragmatic and approachable individual.

Judy Conti, a long-time labor policy analyst, told Politico, "I've always known him to be a straightforward and accessible person," reflecting a view across Washington that Sonderling is a serious and knowledgeable figure on labor issues.

Sonderling, who served in the Trump administration's first term, previously held senior positions at the Department of Labor and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, focusing on emerging workplace issues such as the impact of artificial intelligence on employment.

Insiders say he has wielded considerable influence within the Trump administration.

Reports indicate that Sonderling played a pivotal role in shaping labor and workforce policy and was widely recognized as a key decision-maker even before his promotion.

Some within the department acknowledged that Sonderling effectively managed day-to-day operations during Chavez-Demer's tenure, particularly when she spent significant time traveling the country.

His appointment has also been welcomed by business organizations, many of whom have supported his leadership in the past due to his employer-centric policy approach and understanding of regulatory issues.

While it remains uncertain whether President Trump will nominate Sonderling for the formal cabinet secretary position, his allies argue that he is the right person to stably lead the Department of Labor, which has historically been a political battleground.

By Hong Sung-goo, Chief Reporter, NNP USA / Special Correspondent NNP info@newsandpost.com