U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer finds herself at the center of a serious internal probe by the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General.
The investigation, sparked by a complaint filed last week, targets allegations that Chavez-DeRemer, a 57-year-old former Oregon congresswoman, pursued an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate, drank alcohol in her office during work hours, and engaged in travel fraud with taxpayer funds, while her chief of staff, Jihun Han, and deputy chief of staff, Rebecca Wright, are also under scrutiny for allegedly knowing about these issues.
The complaint details unsettling claims, including multiple private encounters between Chavez-DeRemer and the subordinate at her Washington, D.C., apartment in September and October, as well as during hotel stays while traveling, according to the New York Post. Notably, during these meet-ups, she reportedly dismissed her security detail or timed interactions to avoid their presence. If true, this suggests a troubling disregard for protocol.
Further, the pair allegedly traveled together to the Red Rocks Casino Resort and Spa in Las Vegas in late October for a family celebration—her niece’s 40th birthday—during a federal government shutdown. Photos and videos obtained by The Post show them at the event, and additional unverified footage reportedly captures unprofessional behavior on prior Vegas trips in 2025. This timing couldn’t look worse for a public servant.
The complaint also accuses Chavez-DeRemer of keeping champagne, bourbon, and Kahlua in her office for daytime drinking. While a stiff drink after hours isn’t a crime, sipping on the job in a federal building raises eyebrows—and not in a good way. Public trust demands better.
Beyond personal conduct, the investigation examines allegations of travel fraud, with claims that Chavez-DeRemer’s staff fabricated official trips to mask personal jaunts at taxpayer expense. In 2025 alone, the Department of Labor spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on over 50 trips across 37 states, with at least 10 tied to locations of personal significance like Nevada, Oregon, Arizona, and Michigan. That’s a lot of mileage for questionable purposes.
During official travel, the complaint alleges she’d speak briefly—30 minutes to an hour—before pivoting to personal activities and late-night socializing on the government’s dime. If substantiated, this isn’t just poor judgment; it’s a slap in the face to hardworking Americans footing the bill.
Adding to the mess, sources describe Chavez-DeRemer as a demanding boss, tasking aides with personal errands and trivial chores while on the clock. When whispers of misconduct spread within the department, she allegedly told her chief of staff to ignore it. That’s not leadership; that’s a dodge.
The Department of Labor and White House have pushed back hard against the accusations. “These unsubstantiated allegations are categorically false,” said DOL spokesperson Courtney Parella, defending the secretary’s compliance with ethics rules.
“Secretary Chavez-DeRemer is an incredible asset to President Trump’s team, and she will continue advancing the President’s America First agenda,” added White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers. Nice words, but they don’t erase the need for a thorough investigation. Results, not rhetoric, will settle this.
The DOL’s Office of Inspector General, led by former New York GOP Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, remains tight-lipped on specifics, which is standard but frustrating. With claims this serious, transparency matters more than ever. Taxpayers deserve answers, not stonewalling.
These allegations, if proven, paint a picture of a public official blurring the lines between personal indulgence and professional duty. While progressive voices might rush to condemn, it’s worth remembering that no verdict has been reached. Still, the optics are dreadful.
Chavez-DeRemer’s silence—she declined to comment to The Post—doesn’t help her case in the court of public opinion. Her husband’s defense and staff denials are noted, but only hard evidence will clear the air. Until then, skepticism is warranted.
This saga is a reminder that power comes with scrutiny, especially in an era where trust in institutions hangs by a thread. If Chavez-DeRemer’s actions don’t match the values of accountability her administration champions, the fallout could ripple far beyond her office. Let’s hope the investigation cuts through the noise and delivers clarity.
