Watchdog report alleges misconduct by Trump’s former labour secretary

A federal watchdog report by the Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General details allegations of misconduct by former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. The 44-page report, based on interviews and documents, accuses Chavez-DeRemer of using government employees for personal errands, drinking alcohol in her office during work hours, and fostering a "toxic, intimidating and humiliating" workplace. The report also alleges an "inappropriately close and unprofessional" relationship with a member of her security detail, though it did not find sufficient evidence of a sexual relationship. These allegations contributed to Chavez-DeRemer's resignation in April 2026, making her the third cabinet secretary to leave President Trump's administration.

A Department of Labor Inspector General report alleges that former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, appointed by Donald Trump, drank alcohol during work hours, kept alcohol on federal property, and created a "toxic" work environment. The report, based on 38 witness testimonies, claims Chavez-DeRemer also made a staffer attend a strip club during a personal trip and engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a bodyguard. She resigned in April 2026 amid these allegations. The report also details accusations against her aides, including discriminatory remarks and "beatdowns" of employees. Chavez-DeRemer's attorney stated she did not break any laws.

A report from the Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General alleges that former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer oversaw a "toxic, intimidating and humiliating" work environment and committed numerous policy violations. The report, based on interviews and document review, claims Chavez-DeRemer had an inappropriate relationship with a security detail member, misused travel regulations by combining personal and official trips, and violated alcohol policies. She is also accused of directing staff to perform personal tasks and failing to report gifts. The report details an incident where she allegedly visited a strip club during a personal trip and instructed a driver to give money to a performer. Chavez-DeRemer resigned earlier this year and has not yet responded to requests for comment.