Trump's nominee for labour secretary withdraws

Telegraph - President Donald Trump’s nominee for labour secretary has withdrawn, making him the first of the president's cabinet picks to fall.

کد خبر: ۶۶۷۹۶۰

تاریخ: ۲۸ بهمن ۱۳۹۵ - ۰۹:۴۹

Andy Puzder, a fast food executive, faced opposition from Democrats over employment practises at CKE foods, the parent company of Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr.

It was when Republicans began to express reservations that Mr Puzder’s nomination became untenable. A primary concern was that he had employed an illegal immigrant as a housekeeper.

The pressure on Mr Puzder grew after a 1990 video was published by Politico of his ex-wife appearing in disguise on the Oprah Winfrey show and accusing him of abuse.

Mr Puzder denied the accusations and his ex-wife, Lisa Fierstein, later revoked them.

Six Republican senators reportedly asked the White House to delay a confirmation vote for Mr Puzder because they could not see themselves supporting him.

One Republican senator, Tim Scott, released a statement after Mr Puzder withdrew saying "revelations regarding paying employees in cash, illegal immigration and comments regarding some of the American workforce” led him to change his mind on Mr Puzder’s nomination.

With the president’s party holding just a two seat majority and the Democrats solidly opposed, Mr Puzder appeared likely to be rejected by the senate.

Mr Puzder issued a statement removing himself from consideration.

"After careful consideration and discussions with my family, I am withdrawing my nomination for Secretary of Labor. I am honoured to have been considered by President Donald Trump to lead the Department of Labor and put America’s workers and businesses back on a path to sustainable prosperity,” he said.

"While I won’t be serving in the administration, I fully support the president and his highly qualified team.”

The Democratic victory lap began shortly after Mr Puzder withdrew, with Chuck Schumer, the top Senate Democrat, calling the news "a victory for the American worker”.

Donna Brazile, chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, said the withdrawal was a "massive blow to President Trump’s disastrous administration”.