Andy Puzder’s decision to withdraw his nomination as labor secretary drew mixed reactions Wednesday, with industry organizations expressing regret and labor activists calling the move a victory.
Puzder’s withdrawal came after Senate support for his nomination began to waver.
“It is extremely unfortunate that the confirmation process has resulted in a qualified and dedicated man withdrawing from the labor secretary nomination,” said Cicely Simpson, the National Restaurant Association’s executive vice president of government affairs and policy.
“Andy Puzder would have made a great labor secretary. We hope that President Trump’s next labor secretary nominee, like Andy, has experience creating jobs and a deep understanding how to get business and government to work together to grow the economy.”
Other reactions included:
Robert Cresanti, president and CEO, International Franchise Association
“Andy Puzder always saw the bigger picture, so his decision to withdraw is just another example of his character as someone willing to put himself aside on behalf of the greater good. From his humble beginnings, Andy worked to make a difference, and that’s precisely why he would’ve been a great addition to President Trump’s administration. His fair and measured approach to managing the Labor Department would’ve reversed the course of the job-killing regulations implemented over the last eight years, which have paralyzed small businesses.”
Rob Green, executive director, National Council of Chain Restaurants
“Andy Puzder is a job creator who has had great success running a growing and respected restaurant business. His withdrawal from consideration to be President Trump’s secretary of labor is unfortunate, and is a symptom of the regrettable culture of rumor and innuendo that seems to drive the daily conversation in Washington, D.C.”
Christine Owens, executive director, National Employment Law Project
“In nominating Mr. Puzder for labor secretary, President Trump chose for the department that champions workers someone whose views and values are not only antithetical to what workers want and need, but also out of step with mainstream America.
“Americans support raising the minimum wage, expanding eligibility for overtime pay, ensuring safe and healthy workplaces, extending affordable health care, protecting workers’ retirement savings, safeguarding the right to organize and bargain collectively, and creating good, family-sustaining jobs. On all of these issues, Mr. Puzder’s record was the exact opposite of where most Americans stand. His loss of support in the Senate mirrors his lack of support in the public.”
Stephanie Taylor, co-founder, Progressive Change Campaign Committee
“Working-class voters who pulled the lever for Trump didn’t vote for a millionaire, fast-food magnate who exploits his own workers to lead the Labor Department, or for Goldman Sachs to run the Treasury Department. Americans deserve sensible representation in their Cabinet — and we’ll be watching, ready to fight back in case Trump decides to continue selling out working families for the benefit of his billionaire buddies.
The Communications Workers of America
“Puzder was an outrageous pick for labor secretary and to head an agency responsible for promoting ‘the welfare of wage earners, job seekers and retirees.’ His long record of public statements and action opposing a fair minimum wage, overtime pay and other basic policies that support working families made him an unacceptable choice.”
Wade Henderson, president and CEO, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights coalition
“While we welcome the news that Andrew Puzder will not be our next Secretary of Labor, it is incumbent upon the president to nominate someone who will fully respect the laws designed to protect American workers. The record clearly showed that Puzder was not the right person for this critically important job.”
Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]
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