Inspector General report alleges former Labor Secretary misused staff and violated department policies
A Department of Labor Inspector General investigation found that former Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer engaged in inappropriate relationships, directed personal tasks to staff, and breached travel, alcohol and gift-reporting rules, creating a hostile work environment.
The Office of Inspector General released a report concluding that former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer oversaw a workplace described by employees as intimidating and humiliating and violated multiple department policies. The investigation, based on interviews with dozens of current and former staff members and a review of more than 500 documents, images and videos, alleges that Chavez-DeRemer had an inappropriate relationship with a member of her security detail, directed staff to perform personal errands during work hours, and combined personal travel with official business.
According to the report, the secretary instructed her aide and executive assistant to travel to her home to organize her closet and to retrieve personal packages from the mail room. She is also accused of directing a federal employee to communicate with Spanish-speaking workers such as a house cleaner and movers. The document cites instances of her visiting a strip club in Oregon, where she allegedly instructed her limousine driver to give money to a performer despite his objections.
Investigators say the relationship with the security agent involved shoulder massages, joint golfing and gambling trips, and overnight stays suggested by hotel door lock and key-fob records. The relationship reportedly continued after the agent was placed on administrative leave.
The report further states that Chavez-DeRemer and senior staff consumed alcohol on federal property without authorization, failed to report gifts—including rodeo tickets, an alligator-hide wallet and cowboy hats—and merged personal trips to family residences and Las Vegas with official travel. Senior staff are said to have engaged in demeaning verbal and written communication, made staffing decisions based on appearance, and threatened termination, actions the secretary allegedly did not address.
Chavez-DeRemer, who resigned earlier this year, was not immediately reachable for comment.