Former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer allegedly maintained an "inappropriately close" relationship with a member of her security detail and fostered a hostile work environment, according to a report released by the Department of Labor's Office of the Inspector General (OIG). The report, based on an anonymous complaint filed in January, outlines multiple incidents and witness accounts describing a "toxic, intimidating and humiliating" atmosphere within the department.
Chavez-DeRemer, who resigned in April, was investigated for an alleged inappropriate relationship with the Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge (ASAIC) of her department's Division of Protective Operations. Witnesses reported that the pair became close shortly after Chavez-DeRemer joined the department in March 2025, communicating frequently via encrypted messaging about non-work-related subjects.
Allegations of Misconduct
The OIG report details an incident during an April trip to Oregon where Chavez-DeRemer allegedly instructed her driver to give cash to a stripper at an establishment. When the driver hesitated, the ASAIC reportedly told him to comply. Chavez-DeRemer then allegedly handed more cash to the agent and instructed him to drop the bills one by one onto the dancer, with the ASAIC again intervening when the driver hesitated.
Witnesses also described observing Chavez-DeRemer massaging the ASAIC's shoulders in a car, and interpreted a comment by the ASAIC as sexual innuendo. The pair were reportedly seen walking arm-in-arm after leaving an event, and OIG surveillance later showed the ASAIC entering Chavez-DeRemer's Washington, D.C., residence through a back door on multiple occasions.
Hostile Work Environment Claims
Beyond the alleged personal relationship, the complaint and investigation also pointed to a hostile work environment created by Chavez-DeRemer, her chief of staff, Jihun Han, and deputy chief of staff, Rebecca Wright. Thirty-eight witnesses told the OIG that these officials openly discussed employee performance issues, including instances of employees crying during meetings, in front of other staff.
The ASAIC's alleged relationship with Chavez-DeRemer also reportedly impacted his job performance. According to the report, he "focused on his interactions with Chavez-DeRemer, monitored her interactions with other agents, and reduced the presence of other DPO personnel to create opportunities to be alone with her, resulting in reduced protective coverage for the Secretary."
Security Protocol and Resignation
The ASAIC also reportedly bypassed chain-of-command protocols by attending meetings with Chavez-DeRemer's chief of staff and deputy chief of staff without his supervisor's knowledge. When the Special Agent in Charge (SAIC) suggested he take a leave of absence, the ASAIC declined, and the SAIC reportedly feared retaliation if she took further action.
The ASAIC was placed on paid administrative leave in January, then unpaid investigative leave in February, and subsequently resigned in March. The report noted that Chavez-DeRemer, Han, and Wright also allegedly drank alcohol on Department of Labor property during work hours.