Trump-appointed Labor Secretary accused of toxic workplace, personal misconduct

Lori Chavez-DeRemer's top aides forced to resign amid allegations of abuse, misuse of government resources

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Biden administration has removed the top two aides to Trump-appointed Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer amid allegations of creating a 'toxic' work environment, including verbally abusing staffers, silencing critics, and arranging taxpayer-funded trips for Chavez-DeRemer to attend conferences where she could make appearances and then leave. Chavez-DeRemer herself is facing separate allegations of drinking on the job, taking subordinates to a strip club, and having an affair with a member of her security team.

Why it matters

The turmoil at the Department of Labor under Chavez-DeRemer's leadership is emblematic of broader dysfunction across many federal agencies under the Trump administration, where political appointees have been accused of misusing government resources, abusing subordinates, and undermining the mission of their departments. This case highlights concerns about the quality and integrity of Trump's political appointments and the need for stronger congressional oversight of the executive branch.

The details

According to reports, Chavez-DeRemer's chief of staff Jihun Han and deputy secretary Rebecca Wright were forced to resign or be fired by the White House. Investigators allege the pair created a hostile work environment, verbally abusing staffers and silencing critics within the department. They are also accused of arranging taxpayer-funded trips for Chavez-DeRemer to attend conferences where she could make brief appearances and then leave. Chavez-DeRemer herself faces separate allegations of drinking alcohol during the workday, taking subordinates to an Oregon strip club on an official trip, and having an affair with a member of her security team. More than two dozen Department of Labor employees across the political spectrum have described a deeply demoralized workplace under Chavez-DeRemer's leadership.

  • In January 2026, unnamed sources described Chavez-DeRemer as the 'boss from hell'.
  • On March 3, 2026, the White House told Chavez-DeRemer's chief of staff and deputy secretary to resign or be fired.

The players

Lori Chavez-DeRemer

The Trump-appointed Labor Secretary who is facing allegations of misconduct and creating a toxic work environment at the Department of Labor.

Jihun Han

The former chief of staff to Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who was forced to resign or be fired by the White House amid allegations of creating a hostile work environment.

Rebecca Wright

The former deputy secretary to Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who was forced to resign or be fired by the White House amid allegations of creating a hostile work environment.

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What’s next

Investigators are expected to continue probing the allegations against Chavez-DeRemer and her top aides. The White House's decision to remove the chief of staff and deputy secretary suggests an effort to distance Chavez-DeRemer from the scandal, but it remains to be seen if she will face any further consequences.

The takeaway

The turmoil at the Department of Labor under Chavez-DeRemer's leadership is part of a broader pattern of dysfunction and mismanagement across federal agencies under the Trump administration, where political appointees have been accused of abusing their power, misusing government resources, and undermining the core missions of their departments. This case highlights the need for stronger congressional oversight and a renewed commitment to restoring integrity and professionalism in the federal government.