An investigation by the Department of Labor’s inspector general has found evidence that Labour Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer took staff to a strip club during an official work trip to Oregon last spring, according to a report.
The five-day trip in April included meetings with Governor Tina Kotek and a truck manufacturing CEO, as well as a tour of an Intel chip plant. On April 18, the team visited Angels PDX club outside Portland. Travel vouchers show the trip cost taxpayers $2,890.06, covering transport, lodging, meals, and miscellaneous expenses.
Chavez-DeRemer’s attorney, Dr Nick Oberheiden, said: “Secretary Chavez-DeRemer firmly denies any allegations of wrongdoing. Her utmost priority remains to advance President Trump’s agenda.” A Department of Labor spokesperson declined to comment on internal matters.
The strip club allegation is part of a broader complaint filed on January 9, accusing the secretary of abusing powers, keeping alcohol in her office, and having an extramarital affair with a subordinate. The complaint also alleged that her chief of staff and deputy chief of staff were involved and had invented work trips for her to spend time with friends and family. Both were placed on temporary administrative leave.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump is aware of the investigation and “stands by the secretary,” adding that he thinks she is doing a “tremendous job.” The secretary’s husband, Dr Shawn DeRemer, denied the affair allegations, calling them untrue.
