United States Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer has resigned amid an investigation into alleged misconduct, including using government resources for personal travel.
Deputy Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling will take over the role in an acting capacity, according to the White House.
“While my time serving in the Administration comes to a conclusion, it doesn’t mean I will stop fighting for American workers. I am looking forward to what the future has in store as I depart for the private sector,” wrote Chavez-DeRemer on social media.
Chavez-DeRemer is the third cabinet member to exit President Donald Trump’s administration since March, following Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi. She previously represented an Oregon district in the House of Representatives.
Department of Labor Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito opened an investigation into Chavez-DeRemer and her aides in January.
Investigators have reviewed evidence that Chavez-DeRemer used the department’s resources for personal travel, the New York Times reported. Her chief of staff and deputy chief of staff resigned last month due to allegations of devising official trips to subsidise Chavez-DeRemer’s visits to family and friends.
D’Esposito’s office is also reportedly probing allegations that Chavez-DeRemer had an affair with a member of her security team and instructed employees to bring her wine during the workday, and that her aides tried to direct grants to favoured political operatives.
At least three people have lodged workplace discrimination complaints against Chavez-DeRemer, MS NOW reported this month. These complaints include allegations that Chavez-DeRemer aimed to retaliate against employees who reported her husband for sexual misconduct, which he has denied committing.
Chavez-DeRemer has had little involvement with the department’s daily work or policy initiatives since taking office last March, per the New York Times, with Sonderling largely managing its operations.
