Trump selects Elaine Chao for Transportation secretary

Donald Trump announced late Tuesday that he will nominate Elaine Chao to be his Transportation secretary, praising her “unparalleled experience and insight.” 

{mosads}Chao served as Labor secretary under President George W. Bush and also as deputy secretary of Transportation under President George H. W. Bush. She is married to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). 

She was also a member of Trump’s Asian Pacific American Advisory Council during his presidential campaign.

“Secretary Chao’s extensive record of strong leadership and her expertise are invaluable assets in our mission to rebuild our infrastructure in a fiscally responsible manner,” Trump said in a statement. 

“She has an amazing life story and has helped countless Americans in her public service career. I am pleased to nominate Elaine as Secretary of the Department of Transportation.”

Chao said in a statement that she is honored to be nominated. 

“The President-elect has outlined a clear vision to transform our country’s infrastructure, accelerate economic growth and productivity, and create good paying jobs across the country,” she said. 

Chao met Trump at Trump Tower in New York City last week to discuss labor and transportation policy.