Embattled Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer Resigns as Scandal Forces Exit from Trump Cabinet
- Rex Ballard
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer has resigned, the White House announced Monday afternoon. Communications Director Steven Cheung described the move as voluntary, saying Chavez-DeRemer is leaving “to take a position in the private sector.” He praised her work protecting American workers, enacting fair labor practices, and expanding skills training.
ble-t.org-Teamster-backed Lori Chavez-DeRemer confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Labor - Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen - U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer – Official Portrait
But the timing aligns with months of internal chaos at the Department of Labor. An Inspector General investigation, triggered by a whistleblower complaint, has examined serious allegations against Chavez-DeRemer and her top aides—including an inappropriate romantic relationship with a subordinate on her security detail, drinking alcohol on the job, misuse of taxpayer-funded travel for personal reasons, and creating a toxic workplace marked by bullying, retaliation, and verbal abuse.
Several senior staffers have already exited amid the probe. In early March, Chief of Staff Jihun Han and Deputy Chief of Staff Rebecca Wright were given 24 hours to resign or be fired. A security staffer tied to the personal relationship also departed, along with additional personnel, in late March.
Chavez-DeRemer, a former Republican Congresswoman from Oregon and businesswoman, was confirmed by the Senate in March 2025 and served roughly 13 months. Her attorney called the decision “personal” and unrelated to any legal wrongdoing. This marks the third Cabinet-level departure in President Trump’s second term.
Deputy Secretary Steps In Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling has been named Acting Secretary of Labor effective immediately. A Florida-based employment lawyer and veteran of the first Trump administration, Sonderling previously led aspects of the Wage and Hour Division and served as a Commissioner on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He was confirmed as Deputy in March 2025 and has been deeply involved in day-to-day operations.
rightnoworegon.com Keith Sonderling Appointed New Deputy Secretary of Labor - Right Now Oregon - Deputy Secretary (now Acting Secretary) Keith Sonderling – Official Portrait
A permanent replacement would require full Senate confirmation. No nominee has been announced yet.
Video Coverage of Today’s Announcement Watch the full CBS News report
NBC News segment on the resignation: Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigns
Fox News clip from “The Five”
The Department of Labor will continue its focus on workforce development and worker protections under Acting Secretary Sonderling while the White House weighs next steps.
Sources:
White House announcement via Steven Cheung on X
NBC News, CBS News, Politico, and New York Times reporting
U.S. Department of Labor official website (dol.gov)
