The Labor Department’s Office of Inspector General released a report documenting multiple allegations against Lori Chavez-DeRemer, the former Labor Secretary who resigned earlier this year. The investigation, which included interviews with dozens of current and former department staff members and review of over 500 documents, images and videos, concluded that Chavez-DeRemer presided over what investigators characterized as a “toxic, intimidating and humiliating” work environment.
Among the specific allegations, the report states that Chavez-DeRemer directed staff to perform personal tasks during work hours, including organizing her bedroom closet, retrieving packages from her home, and making personal purchases. Investigators also documented an inappropriate relationship between Chavez-DeRemer and a senior member of her security detail, citing hotel door lock records, key fob records, and video footage suggesting overnight visits. The report alleges the relationship continued even after the agent was placed on administrative leave.
The inspector general’s findings include additional allegations of policy violations, such as the inappropriate combination of personal and official travel to locations including family residences and Las Vegas, the consumption and storage of alcohol on federal property without authorization, and the failure to properly report gifts including rodeo tickets, an alligator-hide wallet, and cowboy hats. One incident described in the report involved Chavez-DeRemer allegedly directing her limousine driver to give money to a performer at a strip club during a personal trip to Oregon.
The report further states that senior staff under Chavez-DeRemer’s management engaged in threatening and demeaking behavior toward employees, with staffing decisions allegedly based on physical appearance rather than qualifications. Chavez-DeRemer could not be immediately reached for comment regarding the allegations.
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