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Robert Reich

Robert Reich is an American political economist, professor, author, and political commentator.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Robert Reich is an American political economist, professor, author, and political commentator. He served as U.S. Secretary of Labor from 1993 to 1997 under President Bill Clinton. He is known for writing on inequality, labour policy, and the U.S. economy.

Early life and education

Robert Reich was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in 1946. He studied at Dartmouth College, earned a master's degree at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, and received a law degree from Yale Law School.

Government career

Reich served in federal government under Presidents Ford, Carter, and Clinton. His most prominent role was U.S. Secretary of Labor from 1993 to 1997.

Academic and public policy work

Reich has held academic appointments at institutions including Harvard and the University of California, Berkeley. His work has focused on labour markets, inequality, and public policy.

Writing and media

Reich is a prolific author and commentator whose books address economic fairness, capitalism, and the middle class. He has also participated in documentaries and other media projects.

Key facts

  • Served in three U.S. presidential administrations, including as secretary of labor under Bill Clinton.
  • Has taught at major universities, including Harvard and the University of California, Berkeley.
  • Authored numerous books on the economy, work, and inequality.
  • Co-founded the Economic Policy Institute and The American Prospect.
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Canadian context

Reich’s work on inequality, labour markets, and public policy is often relevant to Canadian debates about wages, employment standards, and economic fairness.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Robert Reich?
Robert Reich is an American political economist, professor, author, and former U.S. Secretary of Labor.
What office did Robert Reich hold in the Clinton administration?
He served as U.S. Secretary of Labor from 1993 to 1997.
What is Robert Reich known for?
He is known for writing and speaking about inequality, labour policy, and the U.S. economy.
Where did Robert Reich teach?
He has taught at Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley.
What is Robert Reich’s educational background?
He studied at Dartmouth College, Oxford University, and Yale Law School.

References

  1. Library of Congress — https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0003301/
    Supports: Birth date, occupation, and service as U.S. Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton.
  2. University of California, Berkeley — https://vcresearch.berkeley.edu/faculty/robert-b-reich
    Supports: Academic appointments, books, co-founding roles, and education.
  3. U.S. Department of Labor — https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/history/reich
    Supports: Tenure as Secretary of Labor and major accomplishments in office.
  4. U.S. Congress — https://www.congress.gov/117/meeting/house/115145/witnesses/HHRG-117-GO05-Bio-ReichR-20220922.pdf
    Supports: Biography, federal service, academic positions, books, and media projects.
  5. Miller Center, University of Virginia — https://millercenter.org/president/clinton/essays/reich-1993-secretary-of-labor
    Supports: Career timeline, education, and service in multiple administrations.