According to multiple reports, Andy Puzder, President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Labor, has withdrawn from consideration for the post.
I am withdrawing my nomination for Secretary of Labor. I’m honored to have been considered and am grateful to all who have supported me.
— Andy Puzder (@AndyPuzder) February 15, 2017
Puzder was opposed by the entire Senate Democratic caucus, and several Senate Republicans had also expressed concern about his nomination. It appears that the votes for confirmation were simply not there in a toxic, hyper-partisan political atmosphere.
Here’s what top conservatives had to say:
Frank Cannon, president, American Principles Project
Andy Puzder was very qualified to serve as Secretary of Labor and would have been an incredible addition to President Trump’s cabinet. It is a damn shame to see our toxic political environment obstruct an opportunity for a good man to serve his country. Regrettably, the Democratic Party has fully committed its entire existence to ‘resistance’ rather than governance. Voters will not forgive such a childish mindset in 2018.
Senator Tim Scott (R-South Carolina)
Statement on Puzder nomination: pic.twitter.com/qyvEcj0Q7q
— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) February 15, 2017
Senator Marco Rubio (R-Florida)
Andy Puzder made the right & honorable choice by withdrawing from consideration as Labor Secretary.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) February 15, 2017
David Horowitz, conservative writer
Not a good sign when Flynn is thrown under the bus for nothing, and Puzder for a 30 year old divorce.
— David Horowitz (@horowitz39) February 15, 2017
Larry Elder, conservative radio host
Mr. @POTUS, you get a do over. How about @AmbJohnBolton for National Security Advisor and @StephenMoore for Labor–if #Puzder withdraws?
— Larry Elder (@larryelder) February 15, 2017
Ana Navarro, “conservative” CNN contributor
Puzder is out. But. Do. Not. Get. Distracted. Focus! Trump-world allegedly colluded w/Russia during campaign. We need a full investigation.
— Ana Navarro (@ananavarro) February 15, 2017
And here are a few responses from the progressive “resistance”:
Green Peace
Andy Puzder’s nomination for secretary of labor is officially withdrawn! https://t.co/Dm2USavIzZ #AntiLaborSecretary #ResistOften pic.twitter.com/xi3OTu0Uvv
— Greenpeace USA (@greenpeaceusa) February 15, 2017
Fight for 15
When we fight, we win. https://t.co/q1RNLAcMr0 #FightFor15 pic.twitter.com/DFQD1zo27U
— Fight For 15 (@fightfor15) February 15, 2017
Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13)
In the past week:
•9th Circuit overturned #MuslimBan
•Flynn was forced to resign
•Puzder withdrew nomination#Resistance is working ????????— Rep. Barbara Lee (@RepBarbaraLee) February 15, 2017
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont)
I’m glad Puzder will withdraw. Given his relationship to his employees he wasn’t fit to lead a department responsible for defending workers. https://t.co/keclfhuktH
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) February 15, 2017
Trump now faces the prospect of picking a second Labor Secretary nominee. No matter who he picks — heck, he could pick Beyonce — he should fully expect uncompromising opposition from the Left. As Frank Cannon put it, the Democratic Party has now committed their entire existence to resistance.
Jon Schweppe is the Communications Director for American Principles Project. Follow him on Twitter @JonSchweppe.
