As the United States gears up for the momentous occasion of its 250th birthday, a community in Southern California finds itself embroiled in controversy over a patriotic symbol. Homeowners in this affluent San Marcos townhome enclave claim they are being threatened with fines by their homeowners association for daring to fly the American flag proudly outside their residences.

In the heart of San Marcos, a community governed by the Ambiance Owners Association is at a crossroads. Residents are standing firm, refusing to take down the Stars and Stripes despite receiving official notices from the association. The determination to display the flag has sparked a standoff that transcends neighborhood borders, questioning how residents can express national pride in their own homes.

San Marcos townhomes, nestled in this complex, are assessed to be valued slightly below a million dollars, according to real estate listings. The community’s affluence, however, does not shield it from rules that have come under scrutiny as potentially curbing the expression of patriotism.

Documentation obtained by News Media brings to light that this impasse stretches back at least three years. A significant moment came in May 2023 when the association sent out notices clarifying their anti-sports flag policy but stating definitively that “the American flag is the only approved flag to be hung on and within common property.” This declaration has only fueled the ongoing debate over decorum and patriotism within the community.

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By May 2026, however, the HOA issued Amy and Christopher Cooke a violation notice alleging the American flag mounted outside their home violated the association’s flag policy and directing them to remove the flag mount within 15 days or face enforcement action.

Neighbor Terri Collins also received a violation notice over the American flag displayed outside her home and said she’s prepared to fight the HOA alongside the Cookes.

“The journey has been long and hard, and we are ready to put an end to it once and for all,” Collins told News Media.

Amy Cooke told News Media the controversy began after another resident attempted to fly a San Diego Padres flag, prompting the HOA to revisit its flag rules.

“Both American flags had been flying around here for decades without issue,” Cooke said. “The fact is it’s about the American flag, distinctly.”

Cooke said she laughed when she first received notice that the HOA considered her American flag to be in violation.

“My first reaction was, ‘No,'” she said. “‘Wait a minute, this isn’t legal.'”

According to Cooke, the flag has flown from her garage door frame for more than 20 years in honor of her husband’s grandfather, who was killed in World War II while rescuing fellow sailors. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross and Purple Heart.

Cooke contends the HOA has repeatedly failed to explain why it considers her garage door frame to be common area rather than exclusive-use common area under the association’s governing documents.

In a June 19 letter to the HOA obtained by News Media, the Cookes requested board meeting minutes adopting the flag policy, records supporting the HOA’s interpretation of the property’s common areas and the authority it relied upon in issuing the violation. They also asked that their disciplinary hearing be postponed until those records were produced, writing that the same questions “remain unanswered.”

Cooke said she and her husband have spent nearly two years researching federal and California law, gathering HOA records, corresponding with the HOA and preparing for what they believe could become a lengthy legal battle.

The couple has since launched an online fundraiser to help cover attorney fees, court costs and other legal expenses if the dispute heads to court.

“This isn’t about refusing to follow reasonable rules,” Cooke wrote on the fundraising page. “We believe this is about preserving the right to display the American flag in our own community and ensuring that HOA rules are enforced fairly and consistently.”

Cooke said any money remaining after legal expenses would be donated to patriotic organizations or causes supporting Gold Star military families.

The homeowners’ fight has also attracted attention from legal advocates.

“California law is clear. While homeowners associations may adopt reasonable rules governing the manner, placement, or safety of flag displays, they cannot prohibit homeowners from flying the American flag on their own property,” Courtney Corbello, counsel at the Center for American Liberty, told News Media.

“No homeowner should be threatened with fines for respectfully displaying the flag of the country they love, especially on the eve of America’s 250th birthday. A blanket policy that sweeps in longstanding flag displays and punishes residents instead of pursuing reasonable solutions is likely to face serious legal scrutiny. HOAs cannot bully homeowners into taking down the Stars and Stripes.”

WATCH: Poll shows 27% of Democrats won’t fly flag for July 4

The controversy has also reached the political arena.

“What is wrong with these people? We are just about to celebrate the 250th birthday of our country,” California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton told the California Post.

“One of the most beautiful and magnificent things about America is the way we show our love of our country together all the time. … And now these tin-pot bureaucrats at some ridiculous HOA want to trample on our flag and stifle national pride at this of all moments? What a bunch of anti-American losers.”

Hilton urged residents to ignore the HOA’s demands and respond by displaying even more American flags in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

Cooke said the dispute has already had a ripple effect throughout the neighborhood.

“We have flags going up and down emotionally, which is really sad,” she said. “Just fly the flag. It shouldn’t be an emotional decision.”

She said she hopes the case encourages other homeowners not to be intimidated by their HOAs.

“Stand up for what you believe in. Show some pride in your country and appreciate what America gives you,” Cooke said.

News Media has reached out to the Ambiance Owners Association and the San Marcos mayor’s office for comment.

The highly anticipated 2026 Wimbledon Championships kicked off today, attracting a wave of celebrities to SW19 to witness the electrifying tennis matches.

The Royal Box at the All England Club—renowned for hosting eminent personalities from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and high society—was brimming with notable figures eager to enjoy the day’s events.

Among the distinguished guests was Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, celebrated as the oldest living blood relative of the British Royals.

He shared the spotlight with football legend David Beckham, who delighted his mother, Sandra, with a special outing to the prestigious club.

The lineup of famous faces didn’t stop there, as other sought-after attendees included Great British Bake Off icon Mary Berry, along with TV personalities Tess Daly and Ronan Keating.

More than 9,000 fans queued this morning for tickets, with 45,000 spectators expected in the All England Club grounds today. Half a million fans are expected over the course of the two-week tournament.

Emma Raducanu, 23, had been set to play Croatian Antonia Ruzic on Court One today but withdrew because of a leg injury which was revealed to be a stress fracture.

But there was still plenty of appetite for strawberries and cream in the SW19 queue, with pictures showing bleary-eyed fans emerging from their tents, wrapping up in blankets and even shaving.

1. HRH Duke of Kent

While Queen Elizabeth may have been the longest ever reigning British monarch, the Duke of Kent is currently the oldest living relative by blood of the British Royal Family.

Prince Edward, 90, who was a cousin to both the late Queen and Prince Philip, has been among the hardest working and most loyal of Royal servants.

He previously said of the Queen and his commitment to duty: ‘I always felt I wanted to support her. That’s by far the most important thing in life.’

An Army veteran, dare-devil driver and tennis enthusiast, the Duke is certainly multi-faceted and he continues to astonish royal watchers, even to this day.

Born in his parents’ first home in London’s Belgravia in 1935, the Duke was named after Prince George’s elder brother, Edward, the future King.

His father was the younger brother of both King George and the former King Edward VIII, whilst his mother, Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark, was the niece of the Duke of Edinburgh’s father, Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark.

The Duke lost his beloved wife, Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, last year at the age of 92.

2. Deborah Jevans 

British former tennis player Deborah Jevans CBE has been at the hallowed location numerous times, as a former junior Wimbledon champion.

She also played 10 times in the women’s singles (between 1979 and 1983). Her best result was reaching the fourth round, when she lost to fifth-seeded Virginia Wade.

Ms Jevans also played in the doubles event, reaching the quarter finals of the mixed doubles event in 1978, playing with her future husband and Wimbledon referee Andrew Jarrett.

She became the first chairwoman of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club Board in 2023, succeeding Ian Hewitt.

In 2013, she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year Honours due to her services to Sport and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games’, when she served as director of sports for the event.

3 & 4. David and Sandra Beckham

Former footballer David Beckham was back in the Royal Box for day one of Wimbledon on Monday.

The star, who caught a flight home after watching England’s World Cup match in New Jersey on Saturday, treated his mum Sandra to a day at the All England Club.

Looking dapper in a grey suit, David, 51, and Sandra took their VIP seats alongside Mary Berry and former tennis player Debbie Jevans, with Mark Rylance, Alexandra Armstrong and Katherine Jenkins in the row behind.

The Beckhams’ invite to the Royal Box wasn’t extended to David’s son Romeo and his girlfriend Kim Turnbull though.

Tennis superfan Romeo and his girlfriend were also spotted making their SW19 arrival, but had to settle for the cheaper seats.

5 & 6. Dame Mary Berry and Annabel Bosher

National treasure Dame Mary Berry and her daughter Annabel Bosher enjoyed the sights and sounds of Wimbledon from the Royal Box today.

The TV chef and renowned cookbook author’s love for cooking began while she was in school and she credits her domestic science teacher Miss Date for encouraging her.

Dame Mary, 91, has also presented numerous TV cooking shows and was a beloved judge on The Great British Bake Off from 2010 to 2016.

Annabel is the youngest child of Mary and Paul Hunnings, and is a trained cook herself, having trained at Le Cordon Bleu.

She went into business with her mother in the 90s to start Mary Berry & Daughter. Annabel has also cooked alongside her famous mother on TV and during roadshows.

7. Robert Aramayo

BAFTA winner for Best Actor Robert Aramayo attended today alongside his mother, Lisa Dawson.

Indeed, no one had predicted that the working class Yorkshire native would topple the Hollywood heavyweights he was up against, having beat hot favourite Timothee Chalamet and esteemed actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Ethan Hawke to the win earlier this year.

No one was more shocked than Robert’s parents, who leapt up from their seats to celebrate his win, having previously described his acting success as ‘bonkers’, given he is from a ‘humble little family in Hull’.

It was undoubtedly a gratifying moment for Lisa Dawson and Mike Aramayo, who had sacrificed so much to help him achieve his dreams.

Growing up in Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire alongside sisters Laura, 35, and Charleigh, 27, Robert, 33, realised his talents at the age of seven when he bagged the role of Bugsy Malone in a primary school production.

From there, he realised he had a talent for impersonations and at the age of 10 he joined the Hull Truck Youth Theatre, where he developed a real passion for his craft.

8. Lady Susan Hussey

Lady Susan Hussey, who was forced to stand down from Royal duties after finding herself at the centre of a racism row, was in the Royal Box.

The presence of Prince William’s godmother at event has perhaps confirmed that she and the Royal Family have managed to put 2022’s controversy behind them.

Lady Hussey, 87, found herself in hot water in November that year over remarks she made to Ngozi Fulani at a Buckingham Palace reception for domestic violence charities.

The British-born founder of Sistah Space, who was wearing colourful African national dress at the occasion, tweeted that Lady Susan had repeatedly asked her where she came from.

Ms Fulani and her supporters claimed it was motivated by ‘prolonged racism’ and that the royal aide was incapable of grasping she was from Britain and not Africa.

Lady Susan, who served as lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth II for more than 60 years, has since made a gradual return to the Royal fold.

10 &11. Sir Mark Rylance and Lisa Barnard 

Sir Mark Rylance was another keen tennis fan who was in the Royal Box today.

The Academy Award winner, who also attended the tournament in 2024, donned a three-piece grey suit that he paired with a boater hat. 

He was all smiles as he took his place in the front row, next to artist and photographer Lisa Barnard. 

12 & 13. Katherine Jenkins and Andrew Levitas

Katherine Jenkins looked stylish as she joined her husband Andrew Levitas at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club today. 

The Welsh singer, 46, looked radiant in a blue and white polka-dotted dress as she posed for photographers before taking her seat in the Royal Box, behind Sir David Beckham. 

However, the pair were not pictured interacting almost a decade on from their OBE drama. 

14 & 15. Ronan and Storm Keating

Ronan Keating looked dapper in a cream-coloured suit as he arrived at Wimbledon today alongside his wife, Storm. 

The Irish popstar finished his look with a light blue shirt, navy tie and a pinky ring.  

A Royal Box veteran, the Boyzone star, 49, seemingly coordinated outfits with Storm, 44, as she opted for a high-waisted cream skirt with a crisp white shirt.

Storm looked typically elegant as she accessorised her match day ensemble with a gold watch, bracelets, and a pair of dark sunglasses. 

16 & 17. Tess Daly and Gayle Lawton 

Tess Daly was among the famous faces spotted in the Royal Box at Wimbledon today as the newly-single Strictly star arrived at the sporting event alongside her business partner, Gayle Lawton. 

Tess, 57, looked sensational in a white lace dress, cinched at the waist with a bow, as the TV presenter kept her accessories to a minimum. 

However, she continued to wear her wedding ring despite announcing she was splitting from Vernon Kay last month.

18. David Haggerty

David Haggerty – who has been the President of the International Tennis Federation since 2015 – attended Wimbledon with his wife Liz today.

He has also been a member of the International Olympic Committee for four years, as well as being a board member for the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee.

It’s not the first time the pair have been spotted at the event – as they are, for obvious reasons, tennis fans!

19. Carol Kirkwood

Weather presenter Carol Kirkwood appeared at the event for the first time since stepping back as a commentator and now acting as a guest in the Royal Box. 

She has traditionally provided weather updates throughout the Championships yet will be absent from screens after stepping down from her role on BBC Breakfast in April following a 28-year career in the field.

The TV legend wore an elegant, form-fitting floral dress for the occasion, which she attended alongside her husband, former police officer Steve Randall. 

20. Lord and Lady Deighton

Tory life peer, Lord Paul Deighton, was accompanied by his wife, Lady Alison Deighton, as they joined a slew of sporting stars and celebrities to watch the action unfold at centre court. 

The former investment banker was appointed Commercial Secretary to HM Treasury from January 2013 until May 2015. 

Before that, he served as CEO of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2012. 

21. Mark Precious

Another athlete sitting in one of the sought after spots in the Royal Box today was Mark Precious, a former student at University College in Oxford.

The former field hockey player won the bronze medal with the British team at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.

22. Roy Colabawalla

Roy Colabawalla is the Corporate Partner at Sydney Mitchell LLP and President of the Lawn Tennis Association.

The Sydney Mitchell partner was appointed youngest president in Lawn Tennis Association history earlier this year.

23. Alexander and Hannah Armstrong

Pointless star Alexander Armstrong looked stylish in a blue suit as he watched the action unfold with his wife Hannah. 

Together with his long-running quiz show duties, the English actor, comedian and TV presenter and is celebrated for his comedic partnership with Ben Miller and his radio shows.

24. Michael Caines

Celebrity chef Michael Caines is known for his work at the Michelin-starred Lympstone Manor in Devon.

The 57-year-old, who was previously head chef of Gidleigh Park in Devon until January 2016, attended today alongside his long-term partner Pippa Whiteley.

25. Tom Hunt 

The former editor-in-chief at the Express, Tom Hunt, was joined by his mother for the first games of the tournament. 

The journalist currently serves as Editorial Director of Reach PLC, which publishes the Mirror, the Express, and the Daily Star. 

26. Paul Barber 

Paul Barber OBE, has worked as the Chief executive and deputy chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion FC since 2012.

Barber was made an OBE in HM The King’s first New Year’s Honour’s List in 2023 for services to football.

He attended today alongside Adam Franks, the non-executive director at Brighton & Hove Albion FC.

27. Caroline Cooper-Marbiah and Jane Savil

Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, who has worked as the Labour councillor for Colliers Wood since 2012, is the Cabinet Member for Sport and Heritage.

Cooper-Marbiah, who attended alongside Jane Savil, has also enjoyed a successful career as a qualified accountant.

29. Sally Munday

The chief executive of UK Sport, Sally Munday was among the Royal Box VIPs on day one of the British Grand Slam tournament. Before she was given the top job at UK Sport in 2019, Sally was the chief executive of England and GB Hockey. 

30. Paul Sinton-Hewitt

Parkrun’s founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt made his way to SW19 today, shortly after the running charity completed its millionth event in a milestone moment. 

31. Matthew Stanton

Matthew Stanton is the CEO of Australian entertainment giant Nine in a role he has held since March 2025. 

32. Katharine Viner

Editor-in-chief of the Guardian since 2015. The journalist has worked at the publication’s branches in Australia and New York and is the outlet’s first female EIC. 

33. Craig Wellstead

Co-founder and Head of Operations at DONS Local Action group. The volunteer group is dedicated to providing amenities for those in need, offering food deliveries, tech donations and furniture distributions. 

34. Xavier Wiggins

Co-founder of DONS Local Action group along with Craig Wellstead. The volunteer company is dedicated to distributing goods and services for those who need it. 

28. Mr Rupert Hampel

Rupert Hampel is the Executive Vice President of IMG Media – a ‘global sports & culture company, specialising in rights, data, digital, partnerships, events, consulting, studios and more’.

He was joined by members of his family, Andrew Hampel, Peter Hampel, and Mrs Katie Naylor. 

Nick Turnbull

The Duke of Kent’s private secretary, Nick Turnbull, was also present at today’s sporting event.  

Turnbull manages the Duke’s official engagements, correspondence, and public relations.

Gill Pearson

Also observing the prestigious event today was the Duke of Kent’s long-time personal assistant, Gill Pearson.  

Eric and Anna Babolat

Owner and CEO of Babolat, Eric Babolat, attended the event today alongside his wife, Anna. 

The family-run business is the oldest racquet sports company in the world – and since its 1875 genesis, the company has transformed one of the biggest names in tennis racquets, clothing and footwear. 

Mark and Lorraine Cox

Former English tennis player, Mark Cox, joined the stars in Wimbledon’s Royal Box today with his wife, Lorraine.

Mark represented Britain in the Davis Cup, most notably helping his team reach the 1978 Davis Cup Final against the United States.

Rachel and Nicholas Gilman 

Golf ace Rachel Gilman, who held the post of Lady Captain of the Royal Wimbledon club last year, also took her seat in the stands today.

Ford has announced a major recall of 741,195 vehicles across the United States due to a transmission issue that may impair the park system. This flaw holds the potential to cause cars to roll unexpectedly, as reported by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Tuesday.

The recall specifically involves certain models from the years 2018 to 2021, including the Navigator, Expedition, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and the 2021 F-150, according to the regulatory body.

To resolve the problem, Ford dealerships will offer a complimentary update of the vehicle’s software. Technicians will also conduct inspections and replace any damaged parts of the transmission at no extra cost, as stated by the NHTSA.

In a separate issue, Ford is also recalling 36,046 Bronco models in the U.S. due to a problem with fender flares that might be inadequately secured. These parts could detach and pose a road hazard, potentially heightening the risk of accidents, according to the NHTSA.

Fender flares are the curved sections situated above the wheels, designed to contour around the wheel arches of the vehicle.

The dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the fender flares as ⁠necessary, ​free of charge, as ​part of the recall remedy, NHTSA said.

Authorities in Monaco and France were on a widespread hunt Monday night for a suspect linked to an explosion that critically injured two people and wounded several others. The man is believed to have set off a homemade explosive device, prompting an urgent investigation.

The blast occurred just before 9 p.m. local time, in the heart of Monaco, near the entrance of a residential building, catching residents off guard. Surveillance footage reportedly depicts a man abandoning a backpack at the location mere moments earlier, according to Le Figaro via Reuters.

Christophe Mirmand, serving as Monaco’s minister of state, confirmed to BFM TV the severity of the incident, stating that two individuals are in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.

“Such an event is unprecedented in the principality,” Mirmand remarked, highlighting the shock and gravity of the situation to the outlet.

French emergency crews were sent to the scene to assist. Authorities in France and Monaco launched a joint operation to find the suspect, according to France’s Interior Ministry.

BFM TV, citing Monaco’s prosecutor general, described the device as a “parcel bomb.”

Eric Ciotti, the mayor of nearby Nice, France, condemned the incident in a post on X.

“The attack carried out this evening is a tragedy that strikes Monaco. Thoughts for the victims, their families, and the people of Monaco. Total support for the security forces and emergency services mobilized,” Ciotti wrote.

Alexandra Masson, the mayor of nearby Menton, expressed support for Monaco and said her thoughts were with the victims and their families.

“I extend my full support to the Principality of Monaco during the ordeal it is going through. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and their loved ones. I express my deepest gratitude,” Masson wrote.

Monaco police could not immediately be reached by News Media for comment.

In a move poised to be one of the most extensive corporate layoffs in recent history, one of the world’s leading car manufacturers is facing a transformative restructuring that could see the loss of up to 100,000 jobs and multiple factory closures.

Volkswagen is navigating increased competition from Chinese automakers, declining profits, significant investments in electric vehicles, and potential US import tariffs. In response to these mounting challenges, the automotive giant is considering cutting approximately 16% of its global workforce.

As reported by the German business publication Manager Magazin, the proposed plan aims to substantially extend the company’s current restructuring efforts, potentially impacting 100,000 employees worldwide if implemented.

Volkswagen’s global workforce currently encompasses approximately 625,000 individuals, underscoring the significant impact this proposed downsizing could have on its operations and employees.

Should this plan move forward, production is expected to halt at several German manufacturing facilities, including those located in Emden, Zwickau, and Hanover, as well as an Audi plant in Neckarsulm.

The proposals are expected to be presented to the company’s supervisory board on July 9, setting the stage for what could become a fierce showdown between executives and labor unions.

The alarming reports come just days after CEO Oliver Blume issued one of his starkest warnings yet about the company’s future.

‘Never has the risk situation been so high,’ he told shareholders.

While the automaker has declined to comment directly on the reported plans, it acknowledged that its long-standing business model is under severe strain.

‘The Executive Board has repeatedly stated that our current business model no longer works across all brands: developing cars in Germany, producing them in Europe and exporting them to the world,’ a company spokesperson said.

The manufacturer has already been trying to slim down its operations.

Last year it announced plans to cut around 50,000 jobs in Germany by the end of the decade while reducing production capacity by roughly half a million vehicles.

The latest proposal would reportedly double those cuts.

The financial pressures have been mounting rapidly.

Although revenue remained relatively steady in 2025, operating profit plunged by more than 50 percent compared with the previous year.

Operating earnings tumbled from $21.8 billion to just $10.2 billion, while net income fell from $14.2 billion to $7.9 billion.

One of Volkswagen’s biggest headaches continues to be China – once its most important growth market.

Vehicle deliveries there slipped 8 percent last year, while battery-electric vehicle sales plunged by more than 44 percent as domestic Chinese manufacturers intensified a brutal price war.

At the same time, the company has struggled to generate strong profits from electric vehicles, while rising manufacturing costs and new US tariffs have further squeezed margins.

The restructuring effort is already well underway.

Earlier this year, the automaker closed a small production site in Dresden and has been searching for a buyer for its Osnabrück factory, where production is expected to end next year.

Blume has previously insisted that permanently shutting factories is not his preferred option, suggesting some facilities could instead build vehicles for Chinese brands or even be repurposed by defense companies.

But labor leaders have reacted furiously to the latest reports.

Union officials warned they would fight any attempt to push through such deep job losses.

‘Should such plans be pursued, we would oppose them with all our might,’ workers’ representatives said in a joint statement.

They accused management of reacting blindly to mounting challenges instead of delivering a coherent long-term strategy for one of Germany’s most important industrial employers.

The company has been aggressively searching for savings elsewhere.

It recently agreed to sell its marine engines business in an $8.5 billion deal and has targeted nearly $7 billion in annual cost reductions by 2030.

Executives have repeatedly described cutting costs as their biggest priority as competition intensifies across the global automotive industry.

For decades, the manufacturer symbolized Germany’s industrial strength and engineering excellence.

Now, as Chinese competitors race ahead in electric vehicles and global demand shifts, the company finds itself confronting one of the biggest crises in its history – with tens of thousands of jobs potentially hanging in the balance.

In a noteworthy move on Monday, President Trump announced his nomination of Keith Sonderling as the permanent United States Secretary of Labor. Sonderling has been serving in an acting capacity since the departure of his predecessor.

President Trump shared the news on Truth Social, expressing his confidence in Sonderling, “It is my Great Honor to announce that I am nominating Keith E. Sonderling, the outstanding Acting United States Secretary of Labor, to be permanent.”

Reacting to this nomination, Sonderling conveyed his immense gratitude towards the president for this opportunity.

“Serving in both of President Trump’s Administrations has been the greatest honor of my life,” he expressed on social platform X. “If confirmed by the Senate, I look forward to continuing that service as Secretary of Labor and advancing the President’s agenda on behalf of America’s workers, families, unions, and job creators.”

Sonderling stepped into the role of acting Labor Secretary on April 20. His appointment followed the resignation of former Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who left amid investigations into alleged misconduct involving her and her husband.

Prior to Chavez-DeRemer’s departure, Sonderling was her deputy for more than a year. During Trump’s first term in office, he ascended to acting administrator of the Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division. 

A lawyer, Sonderling was also was a member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission during the first Trump and Biden administrations. Last week, he became the acting director of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, an independent agency in charge of ensuring executive branch officials avoid conflicts of interest.

“Throughout his career, Keith has proven his dedication to delivering strong results for the Hardworking People of our Country, and I know he will do an incredible job in his new role,” Trump added in his post.

Before he can assume the full-time role, Sonderling will face questioning from the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. If the GOP-controlled committee advances his nomination, Sonderling will face a full Senate vote. 

Last year, the HELP panel advanced Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination 14-9, with Republican Sen. Rand Paul (Ky.) voting against her and three Democrats voting in favor. The Senate later confirmed her via a 67-32 vote. 

Earlier this year, the administration requested $9.9 billion from Congress for the Labor Department’s budget in fiscal 2027, a 25.9-percent decrease from the 2026 enacted level. 

Nearly half of the proposed cuts to the department’s budget came via the elimination of the Job Corps program — a no-cost education and vocational training program for individuals from ages 16 to 24. 

In May, Sonderling said the administration’s proposed budget for his department is “responsible and well-reasoned.”

“The Administration’s proposal focuses the Department on its highest priority functions and disinvests in programs that are wasteful, duplicative, unproven, non-essential, or ineffective,” he told a Senate Appropriations subcommittee.

Sonderling’s nomination comes as the unemployment rate has hovered between 4.1 and 4.5 percent throughout Trump’s second term in office, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Unemployment, in fact, has not topped 5 percent since August 2021, the BLS notes.

Inflation, though, is outpacing wage growth. Last month, the consumer price index rose by 4.2 percent, 0.8 points ahead of the annual wage growth of 3.4 percent, according to data calculated by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED). 

In April, annual inflation hit 3.8 percent and annual wage growth was 3.6 percent. In recent months, inflation has increased to its highest level in three years, amid energy price hikes due to the Iran war.

This article was updated at 8:01 p.m. EDT.