As the Trump administration prepares to take office, I anticipate significant changes to the labor and employment law landscape. President-elect Donald Trump has made clear his pro-business stance, signaling a departure from the worker-focused policies of the Biden administration. The new administration's agenda is expected to prioritize, among other things, reducing regulatory burdens on employers while fostering a more business-friendly environment. Key areas likely to see reform include the reconfiguration of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), rolling back two major Department of Labor (DOL) rules—the overtime salary exemption and the independent contractor test—and revisiting executive orders on artificial intelligence (AI) regulations. This article explores the potential direction of these changes and their implications for workers and businesses.

Trump’s Pick for Secretary of Labor


Trump has nominated Lori Chavez-DeRemer to lead the U.S. DOL, surprising many in the business community due to her history of pro-union positions, including co-sponsoring the controversial PRO Act. This bipartisan nomination has drawn mixed reactions, with unions expressing optimism and employers approaching the announcement with cautious interest. Despite her union-friendly reputation, Chavez-DeRemer is expected to carry out employer-friendly initiatives typical of Republican administrations, with potential shifts in key policy areas.