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Transport Pick Chao Gets Conservatives’ Praise, Labor Criticism

Trump pick Elaine Chao was labor secretary under Bush
Will play key role in shepherding Trump’s infrastructure plan

Video player cover image — Trump Picks Elaine Chao for DOT Secretary

By

Jennifer Jacobs, and

Jennifer A Dlouhy

November 29, 2016, 4:09 PM UTCUpdated onNovember 29, 2016, 11:21 PM UTC

President-elect Donald Trump has selected Elaine Chao, a former U.S. labor secretary who antagonized unions and cheered conservatives, to lead the government’s transportation policy.

Chao, 63, would become secretary of the Transportation Department in Trump’s Cabinet if confirmed by the Senate. In that post she would lead a $1 trillion infrastructure plan promised by the Trump administration to build highways, bridges and other projects.