Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer Resigns Amid Misconduct Allegations
Multiple federal investigations into alleged fund misuse and inappropriate conduct prompted the Labor Secretary’s departure from the Trump Cabinet.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned from her position Monday following investigations into alleged workplace misconduct, including misuse of government funds and inappropriate conduct, the Trump administration announced.
White House Director of Communications Steven Cheung confirmed the departure in a social media post, stating that the Republican from Oregon would transition to a private sector role. Chavez-DeRemer had previously lost her U.S. House reelection bid in 2024 before joining the Cabinet.
“She has done a phenomenal job in her role by protecting American workers, enacting fair labor practices, and helping Americans gain additional skills to improve their lives,” Cheung said in his statement.
Acting Secretary Named
Keith Sonderling will assume leadership of the Department of Labor as acting secretary, Cheung announced. Sonderling previously served in the department during Trump’s first administration, working in the Wage and Hour Division.
The resignation makes Chavez-DeRemer the third Cabinet member to leave the Trump administration, following former Attorney General Pam Bondi and former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Multiple Investigations Underway
The Department of Labor’s independent watchdog launched an investigation into Chavez-DeRemer and her senior staff over allegations of sending inappropriate messages to young department employees, according to the New York Times.
The department’s inspector general was separately examining reports that Chavez-DeRemer misused department funds for personal travel. Investigators were also looking into allegations that she engaged in an extramarital affair with a member of her security detail.
Husband Banned From Building
Controversy surrounded Chavez-DeRemer’s husband, Dr. Shawn DeRemer, who was prohibited from entering the Department of Labor after female staffers reported that he touched them inappropriately, according to the Times.
The various allegations created mounting pressure on the Labor Secretary’s office as federal investigators pursued multiple lines of inquiry into potential misconduct within the department’s leadership.
The resignation comes as the Trump administration continues to face scrutiny over Cabinet appointments and management of federal agencies during the president’s second term.
