Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer Exits Trump Cabinet Amid Allegations of Drinking on the Job, Inappropriate Work Relationship

Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer arrives for President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol on Feb. 24. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP Images)

Lori Chavez-DeRemer has exited the Trump administration following a series of allegations, including claims of misconduct and drinking alcohol on the job, according to the White House.

The departure makes her the third Cabinet official to leave in recent weeks under Donald Trump, following the earlier exits of Kristi Noem and Pam Bondi.

The White House said Chavez-DeRemer will transition to a role in the private sector. Keith Sonderling will serve as acting labor secretary, per The Associated Press.

Allegations and Investigations

Chavez-DeRemer’s resignation follows months of scrutiny tied to multiple investigations. Reports alleged she engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate, used her position for personal matters and consumed alcohol while on duty.

Additional reporting indicated that members of her family and senior aides were involved in inappropriate communications with staff, prompting a broader internal review by the Labor Department’s inspector general.

Several officials connected to her office have already been removed as the investigation unfolded.

Chavez-DeRemer denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated in a statement posted after her departure.

Before joining the Cabinet, Chavez-DeRemer served as a Republican congresswoman from Oregon and stood out for her support among some labor unions — an uncommon position within the GOP.

Groups like the International Brotherhood of Teamsters backed her nomination, citing her past support for pro-union legislation. However, some labor leaders remained skeptical of her role within a Republican administration.

During her tenure, Chavez-DeRemer played a role in advancing the administration’s deregulatory agenda. The Labor Department moved to roll back dozens of workplace regulations, including rules tied to wages, safety standards and working conditions, efforts that drew criticism from labor advocates.

She also oversaw cuts to international labor programs aimed at combating child labor, part of a broader shift in departmental priorities.

DeRemer’s exit adds to growing turnover within the administration and leaves the Labor Department under interim leadership as investigations continue.