The White House announced Monday that Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer will resign from the cabinet to accept a role in the private sector. Keith Sonderling will serve as acting secretary of labor, according to the announcement.
White House Director of Communications Steven Cheung posted on X in praise of Chavez-DeRemer, saying she "has done a phenomenal job in her role by protecting American workers, enacting fair labor practices, and helping Americans gain additional skills to improve their lives."
Chavez-DeRemer had been the subject of an inquiry by the Labor Department's inspector general. The probe was opened following allegations that she engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staffer, committed travel fraud and drank while in the workplace. At the start of that investigation, the White House initially defended her.
A complaint to the inspector general alleges that senior aides fabricated work trips so the secretary could spend time with family and friends. The complaint also accuses Chavez-DeRemer of repeatedly inviting a staffer to her hotel room. Those specific claims are central to the inspector general's review.
Several aides were placed on administrative leave as the inspector general examines the allegations. The Labor Department has denied the accusations set out in the complaint.
The personnel change leaves the Labor Department under interim leadership while the internal investigation proceeds. The White House statement and the department's denial of the claims frame the current public record, while the inspector general's probe continues to evaluate the complaint's assertions.
Summary
- Lori Chavez-DeRemer is resigning from the cabinet to take a private-sector job; the White House announced the move Monday.
- Keith Sonderling will serve as acting secretary of labor.
- An inspector general probe is investigating allegations that include an inappropriate relationship with a staffer, travel fraud and drinking at work; the Labor Department denies the accusations.
Key points
- The resignation follows an inspector general investigation into alleged misconduct within the Labor Department - affecting department leadership and operations in the public sector.
- Senior aides were accused of fabricating work trips; several were placed on administrative leave as the probe continues - a development with implications for departmental staffing and internal compliance processes.
- The White House publicly praised Chavez-DeRemer even as the investigation was underway, and the Labor Department has denied the specific accusations in the complaint - underscoring competing public statements from government officials.
Risks and uncertainties
- The inspector general's investigation is ongoing and its findings remain unresolved - creating uncertainty for Labor Department leadership and operations.
- Allegations remain contested: the Labor Department denies the claims while the complaint details multiple accusations, so outcomes and any potential personnel changes are uncertain.
- The placement of several aides on administrative leave may disrupt departmental functions in the short term, particularly in areas tied to human resources and internal compliance.