The tenure of former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer has come under intense scrutiny following a comprehensive investigation by the Labor Department’s Office of Inspector General (OIG). The report, led by former Republican Congressman Anthony D’Esposito uncovered a series of troubling allegations that paint a picture of a toxic work environment and ethical breaches during her time in office.
Chavez-DeRemer, who resigned in April after serving under President Trump‘s Administration faced allegations ranging from fostering a hostile work environment to engaging in inappropriate relationships and misusing government resources. The investigation, which began after an anonymous complaint, interviewed 53 current and former department employees, all of whom corroborated the initial claims.
Toxic Work Environment and Harassment
The investigation revealed a toxic, humiliating, and intimidating atmosphere within the Office of the Secretary. Witnesses described Jihun Han Chavez-DeRemer’s chief of staff, and Rebecca Wright her deputy chief of staff, engaging in threatening, demeaning, and abusive behavior towards staffers. This included comments about employees’ appearances and hygiene, as well as repeated threats of termination.
Wright was also accused of hiring staff based on physical appearance rather than professional qualifications. One notable incident involved Wright advising an employee not to cut her hair above her shoulders to avoid turning into a lesbian. In another case, Wright reportedly relocated an employee’s desk because she didn’t want a fat person visible in the front office.
The report concluded that Chavez-DeRemer was aware of this behavior but failed to take appropriate disciplinary action, thereby violating department policies. However, the OIG stopped short of stating that any federal laws were broken.
Inappropriate Relationships and Ethical Violations
Investigators delved into allegations of an inappropriate relationship between Chavez-DeRemer and a member of her security detail, identified as ASAIC 1. Although the evidence did not prove a romantic or sexual relationship, it did establish an inappropriately close and unprofessional relationship. This included incidents where Chavez-DeRemer directed her driver to enter a strip club with her and ASAIC 1, and to give money to a performer, despite the driver’s reluctance.
The report also highlighted instances where Chavez-DeRemer directed employees to perform personal tasks during work hours. For example, her personal aide and executive assistant used department-provided transportation to tend to her closet, hanging laundry and organizing clothing. These tasks were deemed outside the scope of the employees’ official duties, constituting a violation of ethical standards.
Misuse of Government Resources
Chavez-DeRemer’s official travel was also scrutinized. Her signature initiative, the America at Work 50-state tour, often involved adding official engagements to trips taken for personal reasons. This allowed her to use government funds for personal travel, in violation of department policy and federal rules.
One such incident occurred in when Chavez-DeRemer received complimentary tickets from a lobbyist to attend a rodeo in Las Vegas. The trip, originally assigned to her then-deputy Keith Sonderling was reassigned to her to justify the personal travel. Additionally, Chavez-DeRemer failed to report the tickets, valued at approximately $100 each, despite having completed ethics training on government policy regarding gifts.
Following Chavez-DeRemer’s resignation, Sonderling was promoted to acting labor secretary, a position he continues to hold today.
In a statement to NPR Chavez-DeRemer’s attorney Nick Oberheiden emphasized that the report did not find any legal violations. While some — with or without their own agenda — may not have liked the way she managed the Department, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer looks back with the same pride of having served President Trump’s Administration and the American workers Oberheiden wrote.
