Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Probe Alleges Misconduct by Trump’s Former Labor Secretary
A government watchdog investigated former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer.
The investigation began after someone filed an anonymous complaint.
The watchdog’s report says she drank alcohol during work hours and kept alcohol at a government workplace.
It also says she asked workers to do personal chores and attend a strip club during a personal trip.
The report accused her of creating a frightening and humiliating workplace.
Investigators said they spoke with 38 witnesses.
Chavez-DeRemer’s lawyer said the report was unfair and that she did not break the law.
The Labor Department said it respected the investigation and directed questions to the inspector general.
A Department of Labor inspector general report accused Lori Chavez-DeRemer of drinking during work hours and keeping alcohol on federal property.
The report alleged she directed employees to perform personal tasks, accepted gifts improperly and created a toxic, intimidating workplace.
Investigators said Chavez-DeRemer took staff to a strip club during personal travel and used agency funds for personal trips.
The findings were based on testimony from 38 witnesses following an anonymous complaint filed with the inspector general’s office.
Chavez-DeRemer’s attorney said the report was untimely and that she had not broken any laws; the Labor Department referred questions to the inspector general.
- Who
- Lori Chavez-DeRemer, former U.S. Secretary of Labor, and her staff; the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation.
- What
- A 38-page inspector general report alleged workplace misconduct, improper travel and expense practices, alcohol use during official hours, and other inappropriate conduct.
- When
- Chavez-DeRemer served from January 2025 until her resignation in April 2026; the investigation began in January 2026 and the report was released on Friday.
- Where
- The alleged conduct involved the U.S. Department of Labor, federal property, personal travel to Oregon and Florida, and trips to Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Why
- The investigation followed an anonymous complaint alleging that Chavez-DeRemer created a hostile work environment and engaged in other misconduct.
Inspector General’s Findings
Chavez-DeRemer’s Defense
Workplace conduct
Inspector General’s Findings
The report alleged that Chavez-DeRemer created a toxic, intimidating and humiliating work environment, including by ridiculing employees who abstained from alcohol.
Chavez-DeRemer’s Defense
Her attorney said the report was built around undisclosed individuals and did not establish that she broke any laws.
Use of government resources
Inspector General’s Findings
Investigators alleged that she used agency funds for personal travel, exceeded lodging reimbursement limits and directed employees to perform personal tasks.
Chavez-DeRemer’s Defense
Chavez-DeRemer’s attorney characterized the report as untimely and moot, without conceding the allegations.
Alcohol and personal behavior
Inspector General’s Findings
The report alleged that Chavez-DeRemer and aides drank during official duty hours and that she brought staff to an establishment featuring partially nude dancers during personal travel.
Chavez-DeRemer’s Defense
Her attorney said Chavez-DeRemer was not surprised by the report and maintained that she had not broken any laws.
- Official investigated
- Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who was appointed labor secretary in January 2025 and resigned in April 2026.
- Investigating body
- The Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General.
- Report length
- 38 pages.
- Witnesses
- The report was based on testimony from 38 witnesses.
- Travel allegations
- The report cited at least 13 trips to visit family or personal residences and five trips to Las Vegas.
- Anonymous complaint
- The investigation began after an anonymous complaint was filed in January 2026.
- Response
- Chavez-DeRemer’s attorney said she did not break any laws; the Labor Department referred inquiries to the inspector general.