Labor Secretary Resigns Amid Misconduct Investigation
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer has officially stepped down from her position, a decision linked to an ongoing internal investigation regarding allegations of misconduct.
In a statement on X, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung praised her contributions, stating, "she has done a phenomenal job in her role by protecting American workers, enacting fair labor practices, and helping Americans gain additional skills to improve their lives." He noted that Chavez-DeRemer would transition to a role in the private sector.
A senior Labor Department official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation, confirmed the resignation.
Chavez-DeRemer marks the third cabinet member to exit during President Trump's second term. Earlier this year, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was dismissed following criticism from lawmakers regarding her agency's immigration policies and a controversial advertising campaign. Attorney General Pam Bondi also departed amid dissatisfaction over her management of the Justice Department.
While less prominent than her predecessors, Chavez-DeRemer's tenure has not been without its own controversies. Reports surfaced in January indicating that the Labor Department's inspector general was investigating claims of an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate, excessive alcohol consumption at work, and misuse of taxpayer-funded travel for personal visits.
Chavez-DeRemer has spent considerable time outside Washington, D.C., notably launching her "America at Work" listening tour that spanned all 50 states last year.
Her chief of staff and deputy chief of staff resigned earlier this year after being on leave since January. Additionally, Melissa Robey, a senior staff member, reported being terminated shortly after providing a lengthy interview to the Office of the Inspector General.
Further complicating matters, reports emerged that Chavez-DeRemer's husband, Shawn DeRemer, an anesthesiologist based in Portland, Oregon, had been prohibited from entering Labor Department headquarters following allegations of inappropriate conduct towards staff members. Investigations by local police and federal prosecutors concluded without charges being filed.
Chavez-DeRemer's appointment was perceived as a strategic move by Trump to appease Teamsters President Sean O'Brien, who had previously supported her selection due to her backing of the PRO Act aimed at facilitating union organization.
Trump had remarked on her appointment, "Lori's strong support from both the Business and Labor communities will ensure that the Labor Department can unite Americans of all backgrounds."
In the wake of her resignation, Deputy Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling has been appointed as acting secretary. Sonderling has experience from both the Trump administration and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under Biden, having been nominated by Trump to fill a Republican seat during his first term.
