Washington, D.C. — Today, President Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of labor, Andrew Puzder, withdrew his name from consideration after a turbulent two months of Americans speaking out against his anti-worker stances and behavior. This is the second major blow to the Trump administration this week, following the resignation of national security adviser Michael Flynn. Karla Walter, Director of Employment Policy at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
An examination of Andy Puzder’s entire career revealed his hostile opposition to everyday working Americans. Thanks to months of sustained efforts from brave fast food employees, workers’ advocates, and the countless Americans who made their voices heard to their elected representatives, working Americans have scored a major victory.
Andy Puzder’s nomination was a betrayal of President Trump’s promise to fight for working people and further evidence that the Trump administration is looking out for the needs of the wealthy elite while leaving workers behind. The president should consider this lesson as he chooses his next nominee for this position. The leader of the Department of Labor—and the entire Trump administration—should be fighting to raise wages, keep workers safe on the job, and remove discrimination from the workplace. Today shows that Americans will hold the president accountable if his nominee fails to meet those standards.
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