A report from the Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General found that former Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer fostered a "toxic, intimidating and humiliating" work environment and engaged in an "inappropriately close and unprofessional relationship" with a member of her security detail. The long-awaited report, released Thursday, also details allegations of Chavez-DeRemer using staff for personal errands and improperly accepting gifts.
The Inspector General's office initiated the investigation in January 2026 following a complaint about the work environment under Chavez-DeRemer. The report states that over 30 witnesses corroborated the claims against the former secretary and members of her senior staff.
Chavez-DeRemer resigned from her position in April, and some of her senior staff were terminated, according to the report. The IG report highlighted an instance during personal travel to Oregon in April 2025 where Chavez-DeRemer allegedly visited a club with dancers and instructed a member of her security detail to accept cash from her purse and give it to a performer. When the agent reportedly hesitated, he was instructed to comply. Chavez-DeRemer then allegedly provided more money and asked the agent to drop it as the performer danced.
The report also alleges that Chavez-DeRemer utilized staff for personal tasks, such as organizing her closet and purchasing holiday ornaments. Additionally, she is accused of accepting gifts, including rodeo tickets, an alligator wallet, and two cowboy hats, without properly reporting them.
Attempts to reach Chavez-DeRemer for comment were unsuccessful, and her attorney was also contacted. ABC News has reached out to the Labor Department for its response.