Elizabeth Warren backs Trump’s labor secretary nominee

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, in a rare moment, is agreeing with President-elect Donald Trump on his choice for labor secretary.

“I plan to hold President-elect Trump’s feet to the fire for working people, and I look forward to hearing more from Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer,” Ms. Warren, Massachusetts Democrat, said in a statement.

She said it’s a “big deal” that Ms. Chavez-DeRemer, Oregon Republican, endorsed the Protecting the Right to Organize Act.

“If Chavez-DeRemer commits as labor secretary to strengthen labor unions and promote worker power, she’s a strong candidate for the job,” Ms. Warren said.

“But this nomination is an early test: Will Trump stand strong with workers or bow down to his corporate donors and the Republican establishment’s opposition? And if Republican senators block Trump’s labor nominee for standing with unions, it will show that the party’s support for workers is all talk.”

Mr. Trump made his announcement of Ms. Chavez-DeRemer for labor secretary last month.

“Lori has worked tirelessly with both Business and Labor to build America’s workforce and support the hardworking men and women of America,” Mr. Trump said in a statement. “I look forward to working with her to create tremendous opportunity for American Workers, to expand Training and Apprenticeships, to grow wages and improve working conditions, to bring back our Manufacturing jobs. Together, we will achieve historic cooperation between Business and Labor that will restore the American Dream for Working Families.”

The congresswoman had the backing of several unions in her reelection campaign, but ultimately wound up losing to her Democratic opponent, Janelle Bynum.

Teamsters President Sean O’Brien also celebrated the nomination, thanking Mr. Trump in an X post.

“Congratulations to @LChavezDeRemer on your nomination! North America’s strongest union is ready to work with you every step of the way to expand good union jobs and rebuild our nation’s middle class. Let’s get to work!” the post said.

She would still need to be confirmed by the Senate, but support from Democrats like Ms. Warren could mean clear sailing.