Andrew Puzder withdrew from consideration for Labor Secretary today. LGBT rights goups, alongside labor groups, women’s groups, and others, had been raising concerns about Puzder’s deeply troubling record of undermining the dignity of his employees and his refusal to answer questions about his commitment to nondiscrimination protections.
Pudzer is the first of President Donald Trump’s nominees to not make it through the confirmation process.
“Hardworking Americans should have a labor secretary who champions fairness and opportunity for all,” said Rebecca Isaacs, Executive Director, Equality Federation. “Mr. Puzder actively worked to undermine the fair treatment of his own employees and refused to champion equality for LGBTQ people and our families.”
“We urge President Trump to listen to the American people, remain mindful of the promises he made to working families during the campaign and in his inaugural address, and nominate a candidate for secretary of labor who will always put workers first and foremost,” Christine Owens, the executive director of the nonprofit National Employment Law Project, said in a statement. “Any less, and the American people will once again say NO to a secretary who doesn’t speak for America’s workers.”
