Labor Secretary's Top Aides Forced Out

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Two top aides to Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer were forced to resign on Monday night amid an internal investigation into claims of misconduct by top officials in the department, according to people familiar with the matter. Chavez-DeRemer's chief of staff, Jihun Han, and deputy chief of staff, Rebecca Wright, were given 24 hours to resign after the White House told Labor Department leaders to fire them.

Why it matters

The forced resignations of the Labor Secretary's top aides highlight ongoing concerns about misconduct and a toxic workplace environment within the department. The investigation has expanded to include allegations that Han and Wright tried to steer department grants to favored political operatives, raising questions about the integrity of the agency's operations.

The details

According to the report, the White House directed Labor Department leaders to fire Han and Wright after a whistle-blower complaint alleged that Chavez-DeRemer drank on the job, had an affair with a subordinate, and used department resources for personal trips. Investigators have spoken with dozens of witnesses as part of the expanding probe, and current and former department employees have described a hostile work environment characterized by an absentee secretary and demoralized staff.

• On Monday night, Han and Wright were given 24 hours to resign from their positions.
• In January, The New York Post reported on a whistle-blower complaint alleging misconduct by Chavez-DeRemer.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The White House and Labor Department have not yet commented on the forced resignations or the ongoing investigation. It remains to be seen whether additional personnel changes or reforms will be implemented at the agency.