The Labor Department’s Office of Inspector General released findings Thursday from a months-long investigation into workplace conduct at the department during Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s tenure as Labor Secretary. The investigation began following an anonymous complaint and included interviews with 53 current and former department employees. Chavez-DeRemer, who resigned in April, did not participate in interviews as part of the probe.
Investigators found that the Office of the Secretary operated in a “toxic, humiliating and intimidating” environment. Witnesses described her chief of staff Jihun Han and deputy chief of staff Rebecca Wright engaging in abusive verbal and written communication, including inappropriate comments about employees’ physical appearance and repeated threats of termination. The report alleged that Wright made hiring decisions based on physical appearance rather than professional qualifications and made derogatory remarks to employees. Investigators concluded that Chavez-DeRemer was aware of this conduct but failed to take corrective or disciplinary action, constituting violations of departmental policy.
The investigation examined allegations of an inappropriate relationship between Chavez-DeRemer and a member of her security detail. While investigators collected electronic hotel records and surveillance footage, the evidence did not establish a romantic or sexual relationship. However, the report determined she “developed and maintained an inappropriately close and unprofessional relationship” with the security staff member. The report documented an incident in which the secretary requested her driver to provide money at a strip club, an act that was ultimately carried out following pressure from her security detail.
Investigators also found that Chavez-DeRemer directed subordinates to perform personal tasks during work hours, including closet organization and laundry management at her residence. Additionally, the report found that Wright added official engagements to trips Chavez-DeRemer was taking for personal reasons to justify government funding of the travel. In one instance from Dec. 2025, a speaking engagement was reassigned from another official to Chavez-DeRemer to provide business justification for her attendance at a complimentary rodeo event. The report noted she failed to properly report the tickets, valued at approximately $100 each.
Chavez-DeRemer’s attorney stated that while the report identified policy violations, it concluded she broke no laws. Her resignation occurred one day before she was scheduled to be interviewed by investigators. Following her departure, Keith Sonderling was promoted to acting labor secretary, a position he continues to hold.
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