Last year, taxpayers shelled out nearly $100,000 to settle an employment discrimination lawsuit involving Labor Secretary Lori Chavez Delemer’s previous congressional office, according to obtained documents.
The $98,650 settlement stems from a complaint that accused the office of violating federal laws against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This information comes from an annual report by the Congressional Office of Workplace Rights (OCWR).
Notably, Chavez Delemer’s office is pointedly the only one mentioned in this report, which necessitates resolution of the lawsuit by 2025.
Chavez Delemer represented Oregon’s 5th Congressional District from January 2023 until January 2025, where she then transitioned to her role in President Trump’s Cabinet.
This settlement represents the largest payment made from a House office complaint since at least 2019.
Specific details about the allegations and their timeline remain vague, and it’s uncertain if Chavez Delemer herself is directly implicated in any wrongdoing.
The Labor Department has yet to respond to requests for comments from The Post. Earlier reports indicated that the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General was looking into Chavez Delemer for reportedly misusing her position by engaging in an “inappropriate” relationship with a security guard.
New allegations have surfaced claiming she committed “travel fraud” by consuming alcohol in the office during working hours while also allegedly having her staff falsify official trips to locations where she could use taxpayer funds for personal gatherings. Additionally, her outing to a strip club in Oregon with staff soon after her Senate confirmation is also being examined.
An investigation by the Senate Judiciary Committee is already underway concerning these claims. Meanwhile, Chavez Delemer’s chief of staff and deputy chief of staff have been placed on leave.
Recently, White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt informed journalists that President Trump is aware of the internal investigation, stands by Chavez Delemer, and believes she is effectively representing workers at the Department of Labor.
