The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of the Inspector General released a 44‑page report last week accusing former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez‑DeRemer of creating a “toxic, intimidating and humiliating” work environment. The report, based on interviews with nearly 40 employees, says Chavez‑DeRemer, along with Chief of Staff Jihun Han and Deputy Chief of Staff Rebecca Wright, regularly drank alcohol in her office during official duty hours and pressured staff who declined to join.

Allegations and findings

According to the Inspector General, Chavez‑DeRemer violated agency policies in six areas, including harassment, an inappropriate relationship with a colleague, mixing personal and official travel, possessing alcohol on federal property, directing government employees to perform personal tasks during work hours, and failing to report gifts. The report also describes an incident in Portland where Chavez‑DeRemer allegedly used her security detail to redirect a limousine driver so she could enter a strip club and hand money to a performer.

Witnesses said Han threatened employees with job loss and appeared to take satisfaction in doing so. Wright was reported to have told an employee not to get a haircut above her shoulders to avoid “turning into a lesbian.” Both Han and Wright were placed on administrative leave in January and terminated in March.

Administration response

Chavez‑DeRemer’s attorney, Nick Oberheiden, told the Capital Chronicle that his client did not violate any laws and emphasized her pride in having served President Trump’s administration and American workers. “While some — with or without their own agenda — may not have liked the way she managed the Department, Secretary Chavez‑DeRemer looks back with the same pride of having served President Trump’s Administration and the American workers,” Oberheiden said.

Background

Chavez‑DeRemer, a former mayor of Happy Valley, Oregon, was appointed by President Trump after losing her 2024 congressional race to Democrat Janelle Bynum. She served as Labor Secretary for a brief period before resigning in April 2025. During her tenure she embarked on a 50‑state tour and threatened criminal charges against department employees who spoke to reporters.

Since leaving the Labor Department, Chavez‑DeRemer has taken a senior advisory role at a communications firm that advocates for data centers. The Inspector General’s investigation continues, and the Department of Labor has not issued a final determination on any potential disciplinary action.

Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.