Labor Secretary's Husband Barred From Department Over Sexual Assault Allegations

Two women have accused Shawn DeRemer of inappropriate touching inside the Labor Department headquarters.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The husband of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer has been barred from entering the Labor Department headquarters after at least two women accused him of sexual assault. Shawn DeRemer, an anesthesiologist, has been accused of touching the women inappropriately inside the building, with one alleged encounter caught on camera. DeRemer has denied the allegations, but has been prohibited from entering the Labor Department building.

Why it matters

The accusations against DeRemer have surfaced during an inspector general's investigation into the Labor Secretary over allegations of abuse of power and misconduct, raising concerns about the leadership and integrity of the Labor Department.

The details

According to reports, the Metropolitan Police Department filed a report on January 24 stating that a 'complainant reported a sexual contact against her will' at the Labor Department. The New York Times also reported that one of the alleged encounters was caught on camera on December 18, showing DeRemer giving a woman an extended hug. DeRemer has denied any wrongdoing, telling The Wall Street Journal 'I have not done any of this and I categorically deny these things. I will absolutely categorically fight everything in this.'

  • On December 18, one of the alleged incidents involving DeRemer was caught on camera.
  • On January 24, the Metropolitan Police Department filed a report about a 'complainant reported a sexual contact against her will' at the Labor Department.

The players

Lori Chavez-DeRemer

The current Labor Secretary, who was confirmed in March 2023 after serving one term in the U.S. House representing Oregon's 5th District.

Shawn DeRemer

The husband of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, an anesthesiologist who has been accused by at least two women of inappropriate touching inside the Labor Department headquarters.

Jihun Han

The chief of staff to Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who has been placed on administrative leave as a result of the inspector general's investigation.

Rebecca Wright

The deputy chief of staff to Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who has been placed on administrative leave as a result of the inspector general's investigation.

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What they’re saying

“I have not done any of this and I categorically deny these things. I will absolutely categorically fight everything in this.”

— Shawn DeRemer (The Wall Street Journal)

What’s next

The inspector general's investigation into the allegations against Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer is ongoing, and it remains to be seen if any further action will be taken against her or her staff.

The takeaway

The accusations against the Labor Secretary's husband and the ongoing investigation into her alleged misconduct raise serious concerns about the leadership and integrity of the Labor Department, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability in government.