Trump’s Surprise Labor Pick: Republican Rep. Chavez-DeRemer Bridges Business-Labor Divide
In an unexpected move that has sent ripples through both political and labor circles, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon as his choice for Labor Secretary.
This pick marks a significant shift from traditional Republican labor appointments, drawing praise from union leaders while raising eyebrows among conservative groups.
Chavez-DeRemer, who recently lost her reelection bid in Oregon’s 5th District, brings a unique background to the position. As one of the first Latina representatives from Oregon and a former mayor of Happy Valley, she has built a reputation for working across traditional political lines. Her father’s background as a Teamsters union member adds a personal connection to the labor movement that resonates with working-class voters.
What makes this nomination particularly noteworthy is Chavez-DeRemer’s strong pro-labor stance, which is unusual for a Republican. She is one of only three House Republicans to back the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, legislation that would make it easier for workers to form unions. This support has earned her praise from major labor organizations, including the powerful Teamsters union.
Teamsters President Sean O’Brien quickly endorsed the pick, highlighting Trump’s commitment to “put words into action” regarding worker protection. O’Brien’s support carries extra weight following his controversial appearance at the Republican National Convention this summer.
The nomination has created some unusual alliances. Democratic Senator Patty Murray, an original author of the PRO Act, expressed openness to the nomination, while conservative groups like Americans for Prosperity have voiced strong opposition. AFP’s vice president Akash Chougule even urged Senate Republicans to reject the nomination, calling Chavez-DeRemer a “teachers union hack.”
Under Chavez-DeRemer, the Department of Labor would oversee crucial worker-protection programs, enforce labor standards, and ensure overtime law compliance. Her approach might differ significantly from that of Trump’s first-term labor secretaries, Alexander Acosta and Eugene Scalia, who generally favored business-friendly policies.
The National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers have both signaled support for Chavez-DeRemer, citing her congressional voting record against education funding cuts and support for public schools. This backing from traditionally Democratic-leaning unions suggests potential for broader labor support in Trump’s second term.
However, some labor advocates remain cautious. Despite her pro-union stances, the AFL-CIO gives Chavez-DeRemer a 10% rating on their legislative scorecard. This mixed record raises questions about how she might balance worker protections with the Trump administration’s broader economic agenda.
The nomination comes as Trump seeks to strengthen his appeal to working-class voters, building on gains made in the 2024 election. Chavez-DeRemer would be the second Hispanic person in Trump’s new Cabinet, joining Senator Marco Rubio, reflecting Trump’s improved performance among Latino voters.
As the confirmation process approaches, all eyes will be on how Chavez-DeRemer plans to balance business interests and worker protections. Her success or failure in this role could significantly impact labor relations and political alignments in the years ahead.
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