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Labor Department watchdog report alleges policy violations by former Secretary Chavez-DeRemer

An internal investigation found the former labor secretary oversaw a toxic workplace, though her lawyer denies any laws were broken.

Updated Sep 5, 2026 · 02:18 UTC7 reports

The short version

  • A Department of Labor Office of Inspector General report found that former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer oversaw an intimidating workplace and committed multiple department policy violations.[NBC News · Associated Press]
  • The inquiry detailed unauthorized drinking during duty hours, improper use of subordinates for personal chores, and an inappropriately close relationship with a security detail member.[NBC News · The Guardian · NPR · Al Jazeera]
  • Investigators did not assess whether the misconduct violated federal workplace laws, and Chavez-DeRemer's attorney asserted she broke no laws.[NBC News · The Guardian · NPR]

Key facts

  • A Department of Labor Office of Inspector General report concluded that former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer oversaw a toxic, intimidating, and humiliating workplace and violated multiple agency policies.[NBC News · Associated Press]
  • The watchdog found that Chavez-DeRemer maintained an inappropriately close and unprofessional relationship with a security detail member, though it found insufficient direct evidence to prove a romantic or sexual relationship.[NBC News · NPR]
  • Investigators reported that Chavez-DeRemer directed staff to handle personal chores on government time, including organizing her bedroom closet and overseeing movers at her residence.[NBC News · Al Jazeera]
  • The report documented that Chavez-DeRemer and senior aides consumed and stored alcohol in her study during work hours without authorization, ridiculing staff who declined to join.[The Guardian · Al Jazeera]
  • The investigation was based on more than 500 documents and interviews with 54 workers, though Chavez-DeRemer resigned a day before her scheduled interview and was not interviewed.[PBS NewsHour · NPR]

What remains uncertain

  • The inspector general's office did not make a determination on whether the documented workplace conduct constituted unlawful discrimination, retaliation, or a hostile work environment under federal law.[NBC News · NPR]
  • Investigators concluded there was insufficient direct evidence to establish whether the relationship between Chavez-DeRemer and her security detail member was romantic or sexual.[NBC News · NPR]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.