Dale County Chronicle
WASHINGTON—U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer has stepped down from her position in President Donald Trump’s Cabinet following a series of misconduct allegations and an ongoing federal investigation.
The White House confirmed Monday that Chavez-DeRemer will leave her post and transition into the private sector. Her departure was announced through a spokesperson rather than directly by the president, a detail that has drawn attention given the administration’s recent series of personnel changes.
Chavez-DeRemer had served as labor secretary since March 2025. Her resignation marks the third high-profile Cabinet departure in recent months, following exits from other top administration officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Her departure comes amid months of scrutiny tied to allegations involving conduct within the Department of Labor. According to reports, the department’s inspector general had been reviewing claims that included inappropriate workplace relationships, potential misuse of government resources, and concerns about staff being directed to handle personal matters.
Additional allegations surfaced involving communications between Chavez-DeRemer’s family members and department staff, as well as claims that aides were asked to perform tasks outside official government duties. Several senior staff members reportedly resigned or were removed during the investigation.
Despite the controversy surrounding her exit, White House officials praised Chavez-DeRemer’s work in the role, pointing to her efforts on workforce development initiatives and labor policy priorities during her tenure.
Deputy Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling is expected to serve as acting secretary while the administration considers a permanent replacement.
Chavez-DeRemer, a former Republican congresswoman from Oregon, was confirmed with bipartisan support and was viewed as an unconventional choice for the position due to her past relationships with labor organizations. Her departure adds to growing questions about stability within the Cabinet and the future direction of federal labor policy.
