On June 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C., former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer was involved in a hearing on Capitol Hill. Chavez-DeRemer, who resigned in April, was investigated by the Labor Department’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) for violating workplace harassment policies. The report, released Thursday, followed an investigation initiated by an anonymous complaint.
The complaint alleged Chavez-DeRemer created a hostile work environment, had an inappropriate relationship with a security team member, failed to follow travel rules, and used subordinates for personal tasks. These findings led to comparisons with “The Real Housewives of the Frances Perkins Building,” referencing the Labor Department’s headquarters.
Despite interviewing 53 former and current employees, Chavez-DeRemer was not interviewed as she resigned a day before her scheduled meeting. Her attorney, Nick Oberheiden, stated the report did not find any legal violations. Oberheiden mentioned Chavez-DeRemer’s pride in serving under President Trump.
Notable Findings from the Investigation
1. Awareness of Harassing Behavior
Investigators uncovered a “toxic, humiliating, and intimidating” atmosphere in the Office of the Secretary. Witnesses reported Chavez-DeRemer’s chief of staff, Jihun Han, and deputy chief of staff, Rebecca Wright, engaged in abusive communication towards staff. Comments on staff appearance and threats of termination were part of the allegations. Wright allegedly recruited staff based on looks rather than qualifications and made derogatory remarks, including relocating an employee due to her weight. Chavez-DeRemer was reportedly aware but took no action, indicating a breach of department policy.
2. Pressured Employees
The report detailed Chavez-DeRemer’s alleged close and unprofessional relationship with a security team member, referred to as ASAIC 1. Investigators tracked hotel lock records and surveillance footage but found no conclusive proof of a romantic or sexual relationship. Nonetheless, instances of inappropriate behavior were noted. Chavez-DeRemer allegedly pressured a driver to enter a strip club and tipped the performer inappropriately, guided by ASAIC 1’s instructions.
3. Personal Favors Directed by the Labor Secretary
During her tenure, Chavez-DeRemer reportedly directed staff to perform personal tasks. Her aide and assistant used department resources to visit her residence and manage her closet during work hours. Tasks included organizing clothes and accessories, violating ethical standards since they were outside their official duties.
4. Questionable Official Travel
Chavez-DeRemer’s “America at Work” tour often involved travel arrangements that skirted policy. Witnesses disclosed that Rebecca Wright added official business to personal trips to justify using government funds. An incident in December 2025 involved Chavez-DeRemer’s reassignment to a Las Vegas trip originally meant for deputy Keith Sonderling. This trip included attending a rodeo with tickets from a lobbyist, which were not reported as required by ethics rules. Sonderling succeeded Chavez-DeRemer as acting labor secretary post-resignation.