Overview
- The Labor Department’s inspector general is investigating a complaint alleging misuse of office, an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate, and questionable travel practices involving Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer.
- Reports say investigators are reviewing a purported April 18, 2025 visit to Angels PDX near Portland during an official Oregon trip and an alcohol cache found in the secretary’s Washington office.
- Chief of staff Jihun Han, deputy chief of staff Rebecca Wright, and the implicated subordinate have been placed on administrative leave as interviews and records collection continue.
- Chavez-DeRemer denies wrongdoing through attorney Nick Oberheiden, the department is not commenting on personnel matters, and several claimed evidentiary items have not been independently verified publicly.
- Press secretary Karoline Leavitt says President Trump backs the secretary, while multiple accounts describe Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling overseeing day-to-day operations during the probe.