Encyclopedia · Biography
Keith Sonderling
Employment lawyer, former EEOC commissioner and U.S. labor secretary
Personal details
- Education
- University of Florida, B.S.; Nova Southeastern University, J.D.
- Spouse
- Fara Sonderling
- Children
- Two sons
- Prior roles
- EEOC commissioner (2020–2024); deputy secretary of Labor (2025–2026)
- Office
- U.S. secretary of Labor (confirmed September 30, 2026; sworn October 2)
Keith Sonderling is an American attorney and federal official who became secretary of Labor in October 2026. He previously held federal employment-law positions during both Trump administrations and served on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Education and private practice
Sonderling earned undergraduate and law degrees in Florida, and practiced labor and employment law as a partner at Gunster. He has also taught employment law at George Washington University Law School.
Earlier government appointments
During the first Trump administration, Sonderling held positions at the Labor Department Wage and Hour Division. He served on the EEOC from September 2020 until August 2024, including service as vice chair. He led the Labor Department transition team after the 2024 election and became deputy labor secretary in March 2025.
2026 cabinet succession and overlapping appointments
Sonderling was designated acting labor secretary in April 2026, nominated for the permanent position in June and confirmed by the Senate September 30, 2026. Official records place his swearing-in October 2, with a later public ceremonial oath administered by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Labor also identifies him as simultaneously acting director of the Office of Government Ethics since June 2026; the exact periods matter in any ethics review.
References
Research compiled November 13, 2026. Open questions belong in a separate research note, not in the public text.
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Documented connections
These are specifically described relationships in public records. A shared institution, appointment or event does not by itself demonstrate coordination or wrongdoing.
- Donald Trump (person) — appointments across administrations: Sonderling served in first Trump Labor Department and held subsequent Trump administration appointments · 2017–2020; 2025–2026
- Scott Bessent (person) — documented ceremonial event: Bessent administered Sonderling’s public Labor Secretary oath ceremony · October 9, 2026