Overview
- A member of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s security detail was placed on administrative leave as officials examine whether the two had a romantic relationship, according to people familiar with the matter.
- The Labor Department’s inspector general has interviewed staff after a complaint alleged an improper relationship and abuse of office by the secretary.
- The watchdog has received at least two additional complaints accusing her chief of staff and deputy of pressuring staff to steer grants to bolster the secretary’s political standing, people who have seen or been told of the complaints said.
- Chief of staff Jihun Han and deputy chief Rebecca Wright were previously put on investigative leave after an earlier complaint alleged they arranged trips to provide the secretary personal time with friends and family.
- The department declined to comment on internal matters or confirm an IG investigation, while Chavez-DeRemer has denied the allegations in prior statements.