Investigation Reveals Workplace Misconduct by Former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer

<p>Former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer oversaw a workplace environment described as toxic and intimidating, where employees reported being pressured to drink alcohol on the job and were ordered to perform personal errands, according to a report from the Department of Labor’s inspector general released on September 4, 2026.</p><p>The report details findings from a months-long investigation into Chavez-DeRemer and several of her senior aides, which included interviews with 53 current and former Labor Department employees and a review of over 500 documents, photographs, and videos.</p><p>Investigators found that Chavez-DeRemer’s conduct was inconsistent with applicable policies and ethical standards in various areas. Findings included an inappropriate relationship with a senior member of her security detail, improper travel, unauthorized possession and consumption of alcohol on federal property, misuse of government resources, and failure to properly report gifts.</p><p>One incident highlighted in the report involved Chavez-DeRemer asking to stop at a strip club during a personal trip to Oregon, where she allegedly instructed a security agent to give money to a female performer. The report notes that while there was no direct evidence of a romantic relationship between Chavez-DeRemer and the security official, there were extensive interactions documented, including personal outings and shared hotel stays.</p><p>Records indicated that the two spent portions of nights in each other's hotel rooms during trips to Las Vegas, and the relationship appeared to continue even after the security official was placed on administrative leave. Both Chavez-DeRemer and the security official declined to be interviewed by investigators.</p><p>The report also found that alcohol was consumed and stored on federal property without authorization. Witnesses reported that Chavez-DeRemer and her senior staff drank during work hours and pressured other employees to join, often ridiculing those who declined.</p><p>Additionally, Chavez-DeRemer directed her personal aide and executive assistant to perform personal tasks during work hours, such as organizing her bedroom closet and retrieving personal packages. The report included an image of the organized closet as evidence.</p><p>Chavez-DeRemer was also found to have combined personal and official travel, with investigators identifying improperly reported gifts, including rodeo tickets and an alligator-hide wallet.</p><p>Witnesses described a broader workplace culture marked by threatening and abusive communication from senior officials, with reports of employees being berated publicly and threatened with termination. Allegations also surfaced regarding staffing decisions being influenced by physical appearance rather than qualifications.</p><p>Chavez-DeRemer resigned from her position in April 2026, becoming the third Trump Cabinet official to leave office during the administration. The White House stated her departure was for a private-sector position, while her attorney indicated she wanted to avoid distractions from the Labor Department's work. Her resignation occurred one day before she was scheduled to be interviewed by the inspector general.</p><p>Her attorney, Nick Oberheiden, disputed the report's significance, stating it confirmed that Chavez-DeRemer did not violate any laws. Chavez-DeRemer previously characterized the allegations as attacks and distractions.</p><p>The Department of Labor is currently led by Keith Sonderling, who has been nominated by President Donald Trump to permanently head the agency.</p>