Politics

Report: Trump’s Labor Secretary Pick May Drop Out Over Criticism

REUTERS/Mike Segar

Scott Greer Contributor
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Fast food executive Andrew Puzder may withdraw himself from his nomination to serve as Donald Trump’s Labor secretary over the fierce criticism he has received.

According to a CNN report published Monday, Republican sources are saying Puzder is reconsidering taking the position over the scrutiny he is receiving.

“He may be bailing,” one Trump transition source told CNN. “He is not into the pounding he is taking, and the paperwork.”

The Office of Government Ethics has yet to publish Puzder’s financial and ethics filings, which cabinet nominees are required to submit.

The CEO of CKE Restaurants, which includes the Hardees franchise, has come under fire from labor unions and other progressive groups for his opposition to raising the minimum wage, President Obama’s overtime rules and other progressive causes.

Puzder has also been criticized by immigration restrictionists for championing guest workers and criticizing border security measures.

“Trump’s pick for Labor secretary is perhaps the worst person imaginable for that role,” Center of Immigration Studies executive director Mark Krikorian wrote in December. Krikorian also claimed Puzder would “put Americans last” when it comes to labor policy.

Puzder appeared to be dismissing the report Monday night with a tweet expressing his anticipation of his upcoming Senate confirmation hearing.