President-elect Trump’s nominee for labor secretary, Andy Puzder, has been having second thoughts in recent days about his potential post in the incoming administration. The CEO of the parent company of the Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. fast-food chains “may be bailing,” according to a Republican source close to the transition team.
“He is not into the pounding he is taking, and the paperwork,” the source told CNN, referring to criticisms from Democrats, labor unions and liberal organizations.
I am looking forward to my hearing.
— Andy Puzder (@AndyPuzder) January 16, 2017
Puzder tweeted Monday evening that he was “looking forward” to his confirmation hearing. His ethics and financial paperwork had not been cleared by the Office of Government Ethics as of Monday evening, pushing his confirmation hearing back until next month. Puzder’s hearing had been scheduled for this week.
Puzder is being attacked by labor unions and Democrats for supporting a Republican agenda, which does not include liberals’ goal of a $15 federal minimum wage.
Puzder is being urged to stick with the nomination, even though the environment he is weathering in government may be harsher than he experienced in the private sector.
“Trump loves it and wants the fight,” one source told CNN.
