Former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao will join the conservative think tank Hudson Institute as a distinguished fellow, based in Washington, D.C.
Chao will lead a public policy program focusing on transportation and labor policy, as well as economic leadership. Chao served as a distinguished fellow for the think tank previously in 2016 until her confirmation as transportation secretary under the Trump administration in 2017.
“We are honored to welcome Elaine back to Hudson,” John Walters, president and CEO of the Hudson Institute, said in a statement. “Her experience, and service to this nation at the highest levels, are unrivaled. At a time when the U.S. economy has come under unprecedented strain as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Secretary Chao’s perspective will help drive important policy conversations and further enhance Hudson’s scholarship on a host of cutting-edge issues.”
Chao resigned as transportation secretary shortly after a mob of pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. She said she was “deeply troubled” by the event that resulted in the deaths of five people, including Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick.
Before joining the Trump administration, Chao also served as labor secretary under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009.
Chao, 67, was the first Asian American woman and the first Taiwanese American to hold a Cabinet position.
Chao came to the United States when she was 8 years old, speaking no English when she first arrived. She is married to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
