A recent investigation by the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General revealed concerning behavior by former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, including alleged misuse of her position and frequent visits to strip clubs.
The investigative report stemmed from an anonymous tip that accused Chavez-DeRemer of fostering a hostile work environment, engaging in inappropriate relationships within the office, violating travel regulations, consuming alcohol while on the job, and asking subordinates to assist with personal errands, among other issues. She reportedly also failed to disclose gifts received.
The findings indicated that her actions fell short of the expected standards in all these instances.
For instance, during a personal trip to Oregon in April 2025, she allegedly requested to visit a location known for featuring partially nude dancers. There, she invited her limo driver and an Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAIC), who was said to be someone she was romantically involved with, to join her. Reportedly, she then pulled money from her purse and asked the driver to distribute the cash to the dancers.
Despite his reluctance, the ASAIC complied with her request, according to the report.
Additionally, there was an incident where witnesses claimed that Chavez-DeRemer offered the ASAIC a massage while they were in a car. After he had been driving, she jokingly inquired if he was tired, to which he reportedly responded that he was “solid as a rock,” leading to laughter between them.
Following these allegations, the ASAIC was placed on paid temporary leave in February, later moving to unpaid leave before resigning in March. There was also an observation by an OIG agent who noted seeing an individual resembling the ASAIC entering Chavez-DeRemer’s residence late one night, but no sighting of him leaving was recorded by the end of their surveillance.
The report pointed out that Chavez-DeRemer’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Rebecca Wright, was implicated in creating a hostile work atmosphere, with multiple witnesses claiming she made inappropriate comments about employees’ appearances, race, and sexuality. Wright was said to have rearranged an employee’s desk to avoid the visibility of a “fat person” and allegedly discouraged a female employee from cutting her hair too short for fear of “turning into a lesbian.” Furthermore, it was reported that she advised another staff member against using the DOL daycare due to the race of the caregivers.
Chavez-DeRemer resigned from her position in April, with Steven Cheung, an Assistant to the President, announcing she would be transitioning to a role in the private sector. He praised her contributions to labor practices and worker protections during her tenure.
Interestingly, prior reports indicated that her appointment had faced several challenges.
