Trump’s Anti-Worker Labor Pick Considering Backing Out Of Cabinet Post

Last updated on July 17th, 2023 at 09:49 pm

After facing tough scrutiny from Democrats and union activists, Donald Trump’s choice for labor secretary is reportedly considering backing out of a potential job with the incoming administration.

Trump’s pick, fast-food CEO Andy Puzder, is a champion of right-wing trickle-down economics, often advocating for deregulating and reducing taxes for corporations and opposing any increases in the minimum wage.

According to CNN, the harsh opposition he’s faced since Trump announced him as his choice for labor secretary has given him second thoughts about following joining the administration.

To get more stories like this, subscribe to our newsletter The Daily.

More from the report:

President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to be labor secretary has voiced second thoughts in recent days, because of a relentless barrage of criticism from Democrats, labor unions and other liberal groups, a business ally and GOP sources tell CNN.

…

He may be bailing,” said a Republican source plugged into the Trump transition effort. “He is not into the pounding he is taking, and the paperwork.”

Puzder posted this tweet not long ago trying to quell concerns that he was bailing:

Aside from Puzder’s unconvincing, seven-word tweet, CNN also reports that he has yet to turn in the required paperwork.

“His required ethics and financial paperwork also has not yet been posted by the Office of Government Ethics, which makes the filings public after nominees for top federal positions detail how they plan to comply with federal ethics rules regarding financial holdings,” CNN reported on Monday.

Senate confirmation hearings for Puzder, which were originally scheduled for this week, have been postponed and probably won’t be held until February.

It’s not yet clear whether Puzder will decide to follow through or back out of his job with the Trump administration, but his uncertainty about is evidence that progressive opposition to the pick has been loud and effective.

If he, indeed, abandons the position, it will be a huge victory for Americans who favor an economy that benefits lower- and middle-income workers, not just those at the top.

Sean Colarossi

Sean Colarossi currently resides in Cleveland, Ohio. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and was an organizing fellow for both of President Obama’s presidential campaigns. He also worked with Planned Parenthood as an Affordable Care Act Outreach Organizer in 2014, helping northeast Ohio residents obtain health insurance coverage.