President Donald Trump has nominated current Acting Secretary Keith Sonderling to lead the Department of Labor (DOL) on a permanent basis. As Deputy Secretary, Sonderling has played a leading role in helping end the “war on ESOPs” at the DOL through substantive changes in the Department’s posture. 

Standing Ovation for EBSA Leader Ending DOL’s “War on ESOPs”

Friday’s keynote address at National Conference 2026 featured Daniel Aronowitz, the Assistant Secretary of Labor and head of the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA).

Daniel Aronowitz, Assistant Secretary of Labor and the head of the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), today testified before the House Education and Workforce Committee in a hearing about EBSA’s priorities.

Funding for Grant Program a Longstanding Priority of The ESOP Association 

On January 15, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) officially ended the National Enforcement Project against ESOPs, an initiative that began in 2005.

Today the DOL’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) ended the ESOP National Enforcement Project, a 20-year effort by the Department that began in 2005. The National Enforcement Project against ESOPs promoted a targeted enforcement approach by EBSA that led to increased enforcement resources and scrutiny.  

During Confirmation Hearings, Aronowitz Pledged to “End the War on ESOPs” at DOL, EBSA

Legislation Will Provide Greater Regulatory Clarity for ESOPs, Curb Abuses at Dept. of Labor

Dear Leader Thune, Leader Schumer, Chairman Cassidy, Chairman Crapo, Ranking Member Sanders, and Ranking Member Wyden: