Jennifer Abruzzo, the general counsel for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) under the Biden administration, was among the initial officials dismissed by Donald Trump upon his inauguration in January 2025. Following her removal, other government officials faced similar fates, including NLRB Chair Gwynne Wilcox and Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer. More recently, Trump has sought to terminate Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook.
Abruzzo had nearly 30 years of experience at the NLRB when her dismissal occurred, a decision linked to recommendations in Project 2025. She has expressed concerns that the ongoing actions against the NLRB could regress worker rights to pre-1935 levels and empower corporate interests. She fears that increased influence from corporations and wealthy donors could undermine democracy and lead to deteriorating wages and working conditions for families.
In May, the Supreme Court declined to reinstate Wilcox while she contests her termination, which could significantly impact the NLRB’s functionality. Currently, the agency’s powers are being hampered, and Abruzzo worries that further challenges to its authority may arise. Wilcox’s dismissal has raised doubts about the oversight of independent agencies, as it could challenge the precedent set by the landmark 1935 case, Humphrey’s Executor v. United States, which limited presidential removal powers.
Presently, the NLRB is without a quorum, impairing its ability to make decisions. Trump has nominated two new members, pending Senate confirmation, as one board member’s term recently expired. The agency is also facing proposed budget cuts.
With recent rulings favoring corporations and a lack of effective enforcement capabilities, Abruzzo warns that the NLRB’s ability to hold employers accountable is severely diminished. As concerns grow over the agency’s independence and its capacity to protect workers, the implications of these developments on worker rights remain under scrutiny.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/aug/31/trump-labor-watchdog-nlrb