WASHINGTON (Nov. 29, 2016) — President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former Labor Secretary Elaine Chao to head the Department of Transportation, a move greeted with support by at least one major trade association.
“President-elect Trump could not have picked a more qualified, experienced and dedicated individual to serve in this important role,” American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear said upon hearing about the nomination.
“I had the privilege of serving with and working closely with Secretary Chao during my time at the Department of Labor,” Mr. Spear said, “and I am extremely pleased that she will be taking on this new challenge.”
Ms. Chao, 63, was secretary of labor under President George W. Bush for the full eight years of his administration.
An immigrant from Taiwan, Ms. Chao joined the Hudson Institute, a Washington-based policy group, in June as a distinguished fellow focusing on topics including employment, labor mobility and trade, according to an online biography.