Labor Department inspector general reports policy violations by former secretary
A watchdog report says former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer breached several department rules, including misuse of travel funds and inappropriate conduct with a security detail member.
The Labor Department’s inspector general released a 44-page report detailing multiple policy breaches by former secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who led the agency from March 2025 until her resignation in April. The investigation, launched after an anonymous complaint in early January, found that Chavez-DeRemer combined personal and official travel, consumed and stored alcohol on federal property, and accepted gifts such as an alligator-hide wallet, work boots, baby items and cowboy hats without proper reporting.
More than three dozen employees described the workplace environment under her leadership as hostile and intimidating, though the inspector general did not conclude that the conduct rose to the level of unlawful discrimination or retaliation. The report also addressed an alleged close relationship with a member of her security detail, noting insufficient evidence to confirm a romantic or sexual nature, but citing inappropriate interactions, including a request for a stop at a venue featuring partially nude dancers where the employee was asked to drop money onto a performer.
Additionally, Chavez-DeRemer directed staff to perform personal errands, such as organizing her bedroom closet during work hours.
"Secretary Chavez-DeRemer did not violate any law," said her attorney Nick Oberheiden, adding that her resignation was a personal decision and not the result of legal wrongdoing.
The Labor Department has not responded to requests for comment on the findings.