President Trump Names Alexander Acosta Labor Secretary Designee

Having lost round one of the Republican war on organized labor when Andrew Puzder withdrew his nomination as Labor Secretary, the White House has mellowed somewhat in its decision naming Florida law professor Alexander Acosta the new designee for the cabinet post. Acosta has previously served as a member of the National Labor Relations Board, as assistant attorney general of the civil rights division of the Department of Justice, and as U. S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida.

In naming Acosta, President Trump said, “Throughout his career, Alex Acosta has been a passionate advocate for equal opportunity for all Americans. … His extensive experience has tremendously impressed me and my team and makes us confident that he will lead the Department of Labor with utmost competence and determination to support the American worker.”

Labor unions and construction trade business groups both expressed lukewarm support for Acosta’s selection, perhaps signaling his likely confirmation. Whether or not Acosta will lead the charge by the Trump Administration and the Republican Congressional Caucus against organized labor remains to be seen following his expected confirmation.