Staff Reports
President Donald Trump is making waves once again, and not just by bravely tackling issues at the southern border. His latest move is a bold strike against labor overreach, signaling a commitment to support independent professionals and small businesses. Recently, Trump fired Jennifer Abruzzo, the National Labor Relations Board’s General Counsel notorious for championing the joint-employer rule that had unions rubbing their hands in glee. Along with her, he sent Gwynne Wilcox packing, an appointee of the previous administration who can be accurately described as a union loyalist. These dismissals are seen as a refreshing reclamation of the labor landscape, where businesses can breathe easy knowing the government isn’t lurking to promote union agendas.
Nevertheless, it appears there is a cloud on the horizon for the business community. Trump’s intention to appoint Lori Chavez-DeRemer as Secretary of Labor has raised more than a few eyebrows. Known for her backing of the PRO Act and her connections to organized labor, Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination has sent ripples of concern throughout independent businesses. Some Republicans, including Sen. Rand Paul, have signaled their reluctance to support her confirmation. There’s a growing concern that, despite Trump’s anti-union rhetoric, his choice may favor the very structures that smaller enterprises wish to avoid.
Within the party ranks, there is division. Some like Sen. Ron Johnson have expressed genuine worry over the direction Chavez-DeRemer’s policies could take, particularly from a right-to-work perspective. This uncertainty among Senate Republicans raises a red flag for many who rely on a free-market approach. Even those who advocate for a more inclusive Republican Party approach—like Sen. Josh Hawley—are conflicted about what it means for their staunchly conservative base if they endorse a candidate viewed as unsympathetic to their principles.
The business community is scratching its head regarding this pick, perceiving it as an oddity that emerged without warning. The general sentiment is clear: many are left feeling uneasy, with plenty of questions about how this appointment aligns with Trump’s broader strategy of creating a working class party. With the Senate split, any resistance to Chavez-DeRemer could put Trump’s labor policies at risk, making it essential for the party to tread carefully, especially if they want to maintain favor with their grassroots supporters.
EXCLUSIVE: National Right to Work Foundation's Mark Mix on Trump's Labor Picks https://t.co/nAJAnvzIUH
— Diane Lange (@DclareDiane) January 29, 2025
Furthermore, data indicating the decline in union membership should also empower the new administration to embrace a more worker-friendly, yet independent, approach. According to recent statistics, union membership has barely budged, remaining at around 9.9 percent. This stagnation reflects that a vast majority of the workforce does not see unions as a necessity for their employment. Instead, Americans are favoring a marketplace allowing them the liberty to work without union interference. Trump’s cabinet choices should reflect this reality, allowing for innovative approaches that empower everyone rather than a tiny minority with special interests.
In this tangled web of labor politics, independent professionals and small businesses await clarity. There is cautious optimism that despite uncertainties, the overall landscape could improve for workers who wish to engage freely in the market without union constraints. The hope rests on whether Donald Trump can harness the energy of his administration to recognize the desires of American workers who prefer entrepreneurial independence over union membership. The coming years could either solidify progress or roll the dice on a deepening dependence on union politics—not a risk worth taking for the party of business.
