Andrew Puzder is expected to withdraw his name from consideration as President Donald Trump's labor secretary in the face of increasing opposition to his confirmation, NBC News reported Wednesday afternoon.
Puzder's anticipated move — which would make him the first Trump nominee to withdraw — seemed likely after leading Senate Republicans began to urge Trump to withdraw Puzder's name, according to CNN.
Sens. Rob Portman and John Thune are the latest Republicans to express reservations about their support for Puzder, CEO of the company that owns Hardee's and Carl's Jr. fast food restaurants. The Washington Post reported.
CNN said at lest four GOP senators are firmly against Puzder, but the total could reach 12.
Portman and Thune are not on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee that will host Puzder on Thursday.
The Post's tally came to six Republicans who don't favor Puzder. In addition to Portman and Thune, they are:
- Susan Collins
- Johnny Isakson
- Lisa Murkowski
- Tim Scott
Chief among the concerns over Puzder's nomination are his wealth, details of an ugly divorce that continue to surface and revelations he once employed an undocumented immigrant, the Post reported.
Puzder needs a minimum of 50 votes plus a tie-breaker from Vice President Mike Pence for confirmation. Republicans control 52 seats in the Senate.
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