Trump's ex-labor sec. drank on the job, misused government funds: watchdog
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Former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer outside the White House on Sept. 5, 2025. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer created a "toxic, intimidating and humiliating" work environment, directed employees to complete personal tasks for her and had an inappropriate relationship with a member of her security detail, a watchdog report dated Thursday alleged.
The big picture: The Department of Labor inspector general's report, released months after Chavez-DeRemer resigned, paints a picture of alleged misconduct and department tumult in line with what whistleblowers previously described.
- The White House, which slammed prior accusations as "baseless," and the Department of Labor did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.
- "While some, yet to be disclosed individuals, may not have identified with Secretary Chavez De-Remer's managerial style, the report concludes the investigation exactly as predicted: no findings of violated laws, testimony from unknown individuals, and much hearsay," Chavez De-Remer's attorney, Nick Oberheiden, said in a statement provided to Axios.
Driving the news: The wide-ranging report delved into allegations that Chavez-DeRemer and her top aides maintained a toxic work environment, fueled in part by the ex-secretary's allegedly inappropriate relationship with a member of her security detail.
- In one example cited in the report, Chavez-DeRemer allegedly requested an "off-the-record stop" during personal travel to an establishment with "partially nude dancers."
- While there, the member of her detail instructed another agent to drop cash on a "partially nude woman," as Chavez-DeRemer requested, even though the agent was hesitant.
- The inspector general concluded that Chavez-DeRemer and the unnamed man on her security team "developed and maintained an inappropriately close and unprofessional relationship," but found no direct evidence of a romantic or sexual relationship.
The report also concluded that she failed to comply with department policy on accepting and documenting gifts, identifying at least five items that didn't appear in DOL records. Those included a scarf, work boots and cowboy hats, among others.
- The OIG also spoke to witnesses and reviewed evidence that she directed employees to conduct errands for her during duty hours.
- Episodes cited in the report include allegations that she directed a personal aide to organize her bedroom closet, ordered employees to purchase gifts and alcohol, and had a Hispanic federal employee translate interactions with Spanish-speaking workers at her home.
Zoom out: Chavez-DeRemer and aides allegedly also "inappropriately combined" personal and official travel and drank and stored alcohol on federal property.
- Beyond drinking during work hours, allegations in the report stated the group would ridicule employees who didn't.
- The aides named in the report — her former chief of staff and deputy chief of staff — were terminated in March, per the report.
Between the lines: Shawn DeRemer, the former secretary's husband, was a source of contention inside the Department of Labor.
- He was reportedly banned from the department's headquarters after two staffers alleged he had sexually assaulted them, per the Times.
Catch up quick: Chavez-DeRemer, a former U.S. representative from Oregon, was the third member of Trump's Cabinet to depart the administration. She was confirmed to the post with bipartisan support.
- At the time, White House communications director Steven Cheung applauded her for "a phenomenal job" and said she would be moving into the private sector.
Go deeper: Why Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump's labor pick, is rattling conservatives
