Assistant Secretary, Mine Safety and Health Administration: Wayne Palmer

CONFIRMED Assistant Secretary, Mine Safety and Health Administration: Wayne Palmer

Wayne Palmer has been nominated to serve as the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health and to lead the Mines Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). He previously served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for MSHA during President Trump’s first term, including a period as the agency’s acting head. Most recently, he was the Executive Vice President at the Essential Minerals Association, where he focused on safety and health initiatives. MSHA is responsible for enforcing federal laws to ensure the safety and health of miners in the United States.

Nomination Status: On October 7, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed Wayne Palmer as the Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) by a vote of 51–47. Palmer’s nomination was considered by the Senate as part of a package of 107 nominations.