Lori Chavez-DeRemer, then a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Oregon, speaks to reporters on October 9, 2024. (Photo by Julia Shumway/Oregon Capital Chronicle)
WASHINGTON – Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer will step down from her position, the Trump administration announced Monday, following numerous reports of workplace misconduct, including misuse of funds and more.
Chavez-DeRemer, an Oregon Republican who lost her bid for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2024, will take a position in the private sector, White House communications director Steven Cheung wrote in a social media post.
“She has done a phenomenal job in her role protecting American workers, implementing fair labor practices, and helping Americans gain additional skills that have improved their lives,” Cheung said.
He added that Keith Sonderling will lead the agency as acting labor secretary. Sonderling also worked at the Department of Labor during the first Trump administration, in the Wage and Hour Division.
Chavez-DeRemer is the latest member of Donald Trump’s Cabinet to be ousted, following former Attorney General Pam Bondi and former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.
The Department of Labor’s independent watchdog has launched an investigation into Chavez-DeRemer and her top aides over allegations that they sent inappropriate messages to youthful department employees. according to the New York Times.
The department’s inspector general also investigated reports of misuse of department funds for personal travel and allegations that Chavez-DeRemer had an extramarital affair with a member of her security detail.
Separately, her husband, Dr. Shawn DeRemer, was banned from the Department of Labor after female employees said he touched them inappropriately. according to the Times.
