A months-long investigation by the Labor Department’s Office of Inspector General concluded that Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who resigned as Labor Secretary in April, violated departmental policies related to workplace conduct and ethics. The inquiry was initiated following an anonymous complaint and involved interviews with 53 current and former department employees. Chavez-DeRemer declined to participate in the investigation and resigned shortly before she was scheduled to be interviewed.
The investigation substantiated allegations that Chavez-DeRemer contributed to a hostile work environment at the department’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. Witnesses described the Office of the Secretary as “toxic, humiliating and intimidating,” with her chief of staff and deputy chief of staff allegedly engaging in abusive communication with staff members. The report documented instances where the deputy chief of staff made comments about employees’ physical appearance and reportedly made hiring decisions based on physical appearance rather than professional qualifications. The OIG concluded that Chavez-DeRemer was aware of this behavior but failed to take appropriate action or impose disciplinary measures.
Investigators examined allegations regarding an inappropriately close relationship between Chavez-DeRemer and a member of her security detail. Although evidence did not establish a romantic or sexual relationship, investigators determined that an unprofessional relationship had developed. The report detailed an incident at a strip club where the secretary directed her driver to comply with her requests to provide money to a performer, with the security official eventually instructing the driver to do so.
The investigation also found that Chavez-DeRemer directed subordinates to perform personal tasks during work hours, including organizing her residence’s closet and managing her clothing and accessories. Additionally, investigators determined that travel arrangements for her “America at Work” initiative were manipulated to use government funds for personal trips. In one case, complimentary rodeo tickets valued at approximately $100 each were not reported as required, despite her completion of ethics training. While the OIG determined that no federal laws were violated, her attorney stated that the former secretary takes pride in her service to the administration.
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