Labor Secretary's Husband Banned from Department HQ After Assault Allegations

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The husband of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer has been barred from entering the Department of Labor's headquarters after at least two female staff members reported that he sexually assaulted them inside the building, according to people familiar with the decision and a police report reviewed by The New York Times. The women told investigators that Dr. Shawn DeRemer, the secretary's husband, touched them inappropriately at the department's Constitution Avenue offices, and one of the alleged incidents was captured on security cameras.

Why it matters

The allegations involving the labor secretary's husband come amid a widening misconduct investigation at the department, with several aides and members of the secretary's security detail placed on administrative or investigative leave. The case highlights concerns about workplace safety and the potential abuse of power within the federal government.

The details

According to The New York Times, video footage showed Dr. DeRemer giving one of the women what was described as an extended embrace. The footage was reviewed as part of a criminal investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, which filed a report alleging forced sexual contact at the Labor Department in December. After the women spoke with investigators, Dr. DeRemer was formally barred from entering Labor Department property.

• On December 18, 2025, one of the alleged incidents occurred during working hours and was captured by office security cameras.
• On January 24, the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington filed a report alleging forced sexual contact at the Labor Department in December.

What’s next

The police's sexual assault unit is investigating the allegations, and the Department of Labor's inspector general is examining a formal complaint alleging misconduct by Secretary Chavez-DeRemer.