Labour Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer is leaving the Trump administration, the White House announced on Monday, following a series of misconduct allegations including an affair with a subordinate and drinking on the job.
In a social media post, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said Chavez-DeRemer was departing for a private sector role and praised her work protecting American workers. She is the third female cabinet member to leave during Trump’s second term, after Kristi Noem and Pam Bondi.
Chavez-DeRemer’s exit comes amid an inspector general investigation into claims she had an affair with a member of her security detail, kept alcohol in her office, and misused government resources. Her aides are also accused of channelling grants to politically connected figures.
Additional reports detail inappropriate messages sent by her husband, Shawn DeRemer, to young female staff, and allegations from two women that he sexually assaulted them at the department’s headquarters. His lawyer denied the claims, and police declined to prosecute.
Chavez-DeRemer, a former Republican congresswoman from Oregon, was confirmed with bipartisan support. During her tenure, the department cancelled grants combating child labour and moved to repeal over 60 workplace regulations, drawing criticism from unions and safety experts.
