"Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer will depart the administration to take a position in the private sector," White House Communications Director Steven Cheung announced on 20/4, praising the "excellent work" she had done in the role.

Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling will lead the US Department of Labor after Chavez-DeRemer leaves office. It is not yet clear who President Donald Trump will nominate for the permanent position.

Secretary Chavez-DeRemer had received support from more than 10 Democrats during her confirmation process, but recently faced calls for resignation amid allegations that she, along with her advisors and family members, frequently sent personal requests via messages to young staff.

Lori Chavez-DeRemer during her confirmation hearing at the US Senate in 2/2025. *Photo: AP*

The New York Times reported last week that Chavez-DeRemer and a former deputy chief of staff had sent messages requesting staff to bring them alcohol during Department of Labor business trips.

Chavez-DeRemer’s husband and father also exchanged messages with young female employees, some of whom were specifically instructed by the US Labor Secretary to "take good care" of her male family members.

These messages were gathered during an investigation into Chavez-DeRemer's leadership capabilities. The inquiry originated from complaints about a series of misconducts, reflecting subordinates' concerns that she was not engaged with the work of the Department of Labor.

Four members of Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s team were forced to leave after the investigation, including her chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, head of the advance team, and a security team member suspected of having a romantic relationship with her. Three employees filed civil rights complaints, describing the work environment at the US Department of Labor as "toxic".

In an exchange from 4/2025, which US media accessed, Richard Chavez, Chavez-DeRemer’s father, wrote to a young female employee: "Heard you're in the city. Wish you'd told me. I could've found an excuse to take you sightseeing. Keep this quiet."

MS NOW reported that two young female employees filed complaints, alleging that Chavez-DeRemer’s husband "engaged in inappropriate physical touching" late last year while they were working at the US Department of Labor office.

Chavez-DeRemer herself was not accused of wrongdoing in the incidents involving her father and husband.

Vu Hoang (According to AFP)