CABINET/LABOR/TRUMP PEOPLE/ANDREW PUZDER/ALEXANDER ACOSTA: “President Donald Trump’s second choice for labor secretary, law school dean Alexander Acosta, stands in contrast to his first pick, fast-food executive Andy Puzder…
Mr. Trump tapped Mr. Acosta for the job less than 24 hours after Mr. Puzder stepped aside last month over personal controversies. The choice of the lawyer who served three Senate-confirmed appointments during President George W. Bush’s administration suggests the White House wasn’t willing to take another risk on a brash outsider.
A Senate hearing to consider the nomination for one of the few remaining open cabinet posts is set for Wednesday…
The Labor Department has been without appointed leadership for Mr. Trump’s first two months in office, leaving the next secretary with a long to-do list, including reconsidering rules governing financial regulators and overtime pay.
Mr. Acosta’s views on those specific issues aren’t clear. That lack of clarity is the most consistent criticism of his nomination and likely to prompt pointed questions from senators at his confirmation hearing. Mr. Acosta hasn’t made public comments about his policy views since being nominated for the position.”
-Eric Morath, “Trump’s Low-Key Labor Pick Keeps Businesses Guessing,” The Wall Street Journal online, March 21, 2017