New York: President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team confirmed on Tuesday that he has selected Elaine Chao to head the Transportation Department under his administration, media reports said.
Chao, whose nomination must be confirmed by the Senate, served as labour secretary under President George W. Bush and also worked as assistant transportation secretary during his administration.
In an official announcement of the nomination, Trump said that Chao has “an amazing life story” as well as an “extensive record of strong leadership and expertise”, Efe news agency reported.
“These will be invaluable assets in our mission to rebuild our infrastructure in a fiscally responsible manner,” Trump said.
In his statement, Trump noted that Chao immigrated to this country from Taiwan at age 8 not knowing a single word of English, and became a US citizen at age 19.
In being selected for the labour portfolio under Bush Chao — wife of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell — became the first Asian-American woman to be nominated to serve in the US cabinet.
According to the New York Times, the appointment came amid word that Trump has selected Steven Mnuchin, who was Trump’s election campaign finance chief, as his future treasury secretary.
Meanwhile NBC reported that the president-elect has selected multi-millionaire Wilbur Ross to serve as Commerce secretary, and his appointment will be announced on Wednesday.
—IANS