Trump Labor Secretary Accused of Workplace Misconduct

Lori Chavez-DeRemer faces allegations of bullying, travel fraud, and hosting a subordinate in her apartment

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An inspector general's investigation has uncovered claims of workplace bullying, personal trips taken on the public purse, and a birthday party disguised as a work event involving Donald Trump's labor secretary, Lori Chavez-DeRemer. The report also alleges that Chavez-DeRemer's husband, an anesthesiologist, has been banned from the Labor Department's headquarters after at least two women made claims against him for unwanted physical advances.

Why it matters

The allegations against Chavez-DeRemer raise concerns about the integrity and management of the Department of Labor under her leadership, as well as potential misuse of government resources and abuse of power. The investigation also highlights broader issues of workplace misconduct and accountability within the federal government.

The details

The inspector general's investigation was sparked by a complaint filed in January. Allegations against Chavez-DeRemer include hosting a subordinate in her Washington, D.C. apartment three times and twice in her hotel room while traveling, drinking during the day and keeping alcohol in her office, and committing travel fraud by skewing her 'America at Work' tour to boost her own political profile. Her chief of staff at the time, Jihun Han, also threatened to bring criminal charges against department members who went public with internal behavior.

  • The inspector general's investigation was launched in January 2026.
  • Chavez-DeRemer was inducted into her role as labor secretary on March 11, 2025.
  • The alleged birthday party disguised as a work event took place on April 7, 2025, Chavez-DeRemer's birthday.

The players

Lori Chavez-DeRemer

The labor secretary under former President Donald Trump, who is the subject of the inspector general's investigation.

Shawn DeRemer

Chavez-DeRemer's husband, an anesthesiologist who has been banned from the Labor Department's headquarters after at least two women made claims against him for unwanted physical advances.

Jihun Han

Chavez-DeRemer's former chief of staff, who threatened to bring criminal charges against department members who went public with internal behavior.

Rebecca Wright

Chavez-DeRemer's former deputy chief of staff, who is now on leave during the internal investigation.

Anthony D'Esposito

The Labor Department's inspector general who is leading the investigation into Chavez-DeRemer.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Over the past few weeks we've learned that not only is she not doing her job, she's embroiling the department in scandal and possible criminal activity. It's frankly embarrassing.”

— Helen Luryi, Former employee of the Labor Department's Women's Bureau (The New York Times)

“The secretary remains focused on advancing the president's America First agenda and carrying out the department's mission to support American workers.”

— Courtney Parella, Spokeswoman for the Labor Department (The New York Times)

What’s next

The Labor Department's inspector general, Anthony D'Esposito, is continuing his investigation into the allegations against Lori Chavez-DeRemer. The results of the investigation could potentially lead to further action, such as disciplinary measures or criminal charges.

The takeaway

The allegations against Lori Chavez-DeRemer, if proven true, would represent a serious breach of public trust and a failure of leadership at the Department of Labor. The investigation highlights the importance of accountability and ethical conduct within the federal government, particularly among senior officials tasked with serving the American people.