Andrew F. Puzder, President Trump’s labor secretary nominee, withdrew his nomination on Wednesday amid growing resistance from Senate Republicans. Puzder is CEO of CKE Restaurants Holdings, the parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s. He was set to testify on Thursday at a confirmation hearing that had been delayed for weeks to allow for the completion of an ethics review of his vast personal wealth. His nomination hearing had already been postponed four times.
President Donald Trump today announced the selection of Alexander Acosta, the dean of the Florida International University law school, to be his new pick for Labor secretary. Acosta, if confirmed, would become the first Hispanic in Trump’s Cabinet.
In an announcement, the White House noted that Acosta has served in three presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed positions, including as a member of the National Labor Relations Board. Acosta was the first Hispanic to hold the rank of assistant attorney general and went on to serve as the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida. Since 2013, he has also served as chairman of U.S. Century Bank, the largest domestically owned Hispanic community bank in Florida.
The Labor Department regulates workplace safety; enforces wage and hour laws; maintains unemployment and payroll data; and is generally seen as an advocate for workers. Puzder, ardently opposed the Affordable Care Act, cast a skeptical eye on minimum wage and overtime rules, and pledged an assault on regulations that he said would put America’s workers and businesses back on a path to sustainable prosperity.
Puzder was critical of substantially increasing the minimum wage, saying that it could push companies to cut jobs and encourage businesses to invest more money in automation. As a result, Puzder’s nomination came under intense scrutiny from Democrats, unions, labor groups, and consumer advocates. Those groups had been attacking Puzder’s business record, his character, and his personal background since he was chosen in December.
There was growing resistance from Senate Republicans this week centered mostly on Puzder’s employment of an undocumented housekeeper, as well as Puzder’s support for more liberalized immigration policies that pushed Republicans away. The quick erosion of Republican support compelled Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to inform the White House that Puzder lacked the support needed to survive.
Puzder withdrawal came two days after the resignation of President Trump’s national security adviser, Michael T. Flynn. President Trump said today that he has a four-person short list for his national security adviser after retired Vice Admiral Robert Harward turned down the job. Retired Lt. General Keith Kellogg, who is currently serving as acting national security adviser is on that list. Trump did not say how soon a decision would be made, but he is expected to move quickly even as questions gorw over contact with Russi by former sercurity adviser, Michael Flynn.
Earlier this month, Trump’s nominee for Army secretary, billionaire financier Vincent Viola, also withdrew his name from consideration, saying he was unable to disentangle his business connections. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos was confirmed only after Vice President Pence cast a tiebreaking vote.
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