Elaine Chao for transportation secretary under Trump

Dec. 5, 2016

Chao worked in both Bush administrations as labor secretory and deputy secretary of transportation. She also ran the United Way of America.

Vesna Brajkovic

President-elect Donald Trump picks former labor secretary, Elaine Chao, as transportation secretary, head of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Chao worked in both Bush administrations, as labor secretary under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, and as deputy secretary of labor under George W. Bush from 1989 to 1991. She also previously ran the United Way of America. In the role as secretary of labor under George W. Bush, she became the first Asian-American woman to serve in a Cabinet position.

"Secretary Chao's extensive record of strong leadership and her expertise are invaluable assets in our mission to rebuild our infrastructure in a fiscally responsible manner," Trump said in a statement, according to NPR. "She has an amazing life story and has helped countless Americans in her public service career. I am pleased to nominate Elaine as Secretary of the Department of Transportation."

Chao is also married to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, which is a relationship, some say, could "complicate" the role because McConnell will be a critical player in infrastructure bill negotiations.

About the Author

Vesna Brajkovic | Associate Editor - Vehicle Repair Group

Vesna Brajkovic is a former associate editor for the Vehicle Repair Group.

Brajkovic has covered the transportation industry for a number of trade publications, with a focus on the vehicle maintenance and automotive aftermarket industries since 2016. Prior to that, she covered the global aviation industry as assistant editor for Endeavor Business Media's AviationPros.com, and held a number of editorial positions at an award-winning community newspaper.