The Labor Department OIG report found former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer violated agency policies against workplace harassment and misused staff and travel, though investigators did not conclude she broke any laws.
The findings, released Thursday by the department’s Office of Inspector General, follow months of inquiry that began with an anonymous complaint. Investigators examined allegations that Chavez-DeRemer helped create a hostile environment, maintained an inappropriate relationship with a member of her security team, failed to follow travel rules, and directed subordinates to handle personal tasks. The OIG is led by Anthony D’Esposito, a former Republican congressman from New York.
According to the report, 53 current and former department employees were interviewed. Investigators said they substantiated the core allegations and additional concerns. Chavez-DeRemer was not interviewed. She resigned one day before a scheduled OIG interview.
Her attorney, Nick Oberheiden, said in a statement that the report did not find any criminal violations. He added that while some may disagree with her management style, Chavez-DeRemer remains proud of her service to President Trump’s administration and American workers.
Labor Department OIG report: harassment concerns
Witnesses described the Office of the Secretary as “toxic, humiliating and intimidating.” Staff recounted what they characterized as threatening and demeaning behavior by chief of staff Jihun Han and deputy chief of staff Rebecca Wright, including comments about employees’ appearance and hygiene and repeated threats to fire staff, including those suspected of leaking to the media. Some witnesses alleged Wright favored hiring based on looks rather than qualifications.
Multiple witnesses recalled Wright advising an employee not to cut her hair above the shoulders to avoid “turning into a lesbian,” and moving another employee’s desk to keep a “fat person” out of the front office. The OIG concluded Chavez-DeRemer appeared aware of such conduct and failed to stop it or impose appropriate discipline, which violated department policy, though not federal law.
Labor Department OIG report: pressure on staff
Investigators probed an alleged relationship between Chavez-DeRemer and a member of her security detail. They reviewed hotel electronic lock logs from several trips and surveillance video from her residence. The report states the evidence did not prove a romantic or sexual relationship, but found she maintained an inappropriately close and unprofessional relationship with the agent, who also supervised other security staff.
In one incident described in the report, Chavez-DeRemer asked her driver to accompany her and the agent into a strip club. She then gave the driver cash to tip a performer and directed him to place bills on the performer. The driver hesitated but complied after being instructed by the supervising agent to follow the secretary’s direction, according to the OIG.
Labor Department OIG report: personal tasks for the boss
The OIG found that Chavez-DeRemer directed subordinates to perform personal errands during work hours, contrary to ethical standards. Using department transportation, her personal aide and executive assistant traveled to her residence during the workday to hang laundry and dry cleaning and organize clothing, shoes, and purses. The report includes still images from a video the staff sent to document the work.
Labor Department OIG report: travel rule violations
Chavez-DeRemer’s signature “America at Work” tour took her frequently on the road. Witnesses told investigators that Wright at times added official events to trips undertaken for personal reasons to justify government-funded travel, in violation of department policy and federal travel rules.
One example occurred in December 2025. Then-deputy Keith Sonderling had been slated to speak in Las Vegas, but after Chavez-DeRemer received complimentary rodeo tickets from a lobbyist, the trip was reassigned to her, apparently to provide an official purpose for personal travel, the OIG found. The report says she did not disclose the tickets, valued at about $100 each, despite receiving ethics training on gift acceptance rules.
Chavez-DeRemer resigned in April. After her departure, Sonderling was elevated to acting labor secretary, a role he continues to hold.
