Free Republic

President Trump on Thursday night announced he's nominating attorney Gene Scalia, the son of the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, to replace Alex Acosta as secretary of labor. The surprise move -- which top Republicans privately pushed for -- was a visible manifestation of the close personal bond Trump has forged with the Scalia family in recent years. The confirmation process for Justice Neil Gorsuch, who ultimately filled Scalia's seat, sparked the connection. Scalia, 55, is currently a partner in the Washington office of the international law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. He is expected to face headwinds from...

Hilda Solis, the former labor secretary who stepped down in January, hired one of the most prestigious law firms in the country during her last year in President Obama’s administration. Solis, who made $199,700 as labor secretary, paid between $50,000 and $100,000 to Sidley Austin Law Firm in Washington, D.C. in 2012, according to financial disclosure documents. Sidley Austin is one of D.C.’s largest and most highly rated law firms. Its practices range from from labor law to white collar. It’s not clear which services Solis hired the firm for. Solis sparked controversy in Congress and among journalists last year...