Trump’s Former Labor Secretary Accused of Drinking on Job

A Labor Department watchdog found Lori Chavez-DeRemer violated agency policies, misused government resources and presided over a “toxic” workplace before resigning in April.

Watchdog Finds Misconduct

Former US Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer violated multiple Department of Labor policies and oversaw what investigators described as a “toxic, intimidating and humiliating” workplace, according to a report released by the department’s Office of Inspector General.

The investigation examined allegations surrounding Chavez-DeRemer’s conduct during her tenure under President Donald Trump. She resigned as Labor secretary in April 2026 after months of scrutiny.

The OIG investigation found problems involving alcohol use, government resources, official travel, gifts, staff treatment and her relationship with a member of her security detail.

Alcohol Used At Work

Investigators found that Chavez-DeRemer and senior staff regularly consumed alcohol during working hours and stored alcohol on federal property without proper authorisation.

Witnesses told investigators that employees who chose not to drink were sometimes ridiculed for abstaining.

The findings formed part of a wider assessment of the workplace culture at the Labor Department during Chavez-DeRemer’s tenure.

The investigation was based on interviews with dozens of current and former employees and a review of hundreds of documents and other evidence.

Staff Used For Personal Tasks

The report also found that Chavez-DeRemer directed employees to perform personal tasks during government working hours.

In one incident, her personal aide and executive assistant were allegedly sent to her home in a Labor Department vehicle to organise her bedroom closet, clothes, shoes and other personal belongings.

Other allegations involved employees handling personal packages, purchasing gifts and assisting with matters unrelated to government business.

Investigators considered the use of federal employees and resources for such activities to be inconsistent with department policies.

Security Relationship Examined

One of the most serious findings involved Chavez-DeRemer’s relationship with a member of her security detail.

The OIG concluded that the pair had developed and maintained an “inappropriately close and unprofessional relationship.” Investigators said the relationship affected the employee’s professional duties and created concerns within the security operation.

However, the report did not establish direct evidence that the relationship was romantic or sexual.

Investigators reviewed witness accounts, travel records and other evidence, including information concerning overnight stays during official trips. Both Chavez-DeRemer and the security official declined to participate in interviews with investigators.

Strip Club Incident Detailed

The report also described an incident during a personal trip to Oregon involving a strip club.

According to investigators, Chavez-DeRemer asked members of her security detail to accompany her to an establishment featuring partially nude dancers. She allegedly gave money to a driver and instructed him to give it to a performer.

When the driver resisted, the report said a senior security official instructed him to follow Chavez-DeRemer’s directions. She subsequently allegedly took additional money from her purse and directed the agent to drop the bills onto the performer.

The incident was among several examples cited by investigators in their assessment of the conduct surrounding the former secretary and her senior staff.

Travel And Gift Issues

The OIG also identified concerns over Chavez-DeRemer’s official travel.

Investigators found that personal and official travel had been inappropriately combined. The report identified trips involving family visits, personal residences and Las Vegas.

Some accommodation expenses also exceeded government reimbursement limits.

The investigation further found that several gifts were not properly reported through departmental channels. Items identified in the report included rodeo tickets, an alligator-hide wallet, work boots, a scarf and cowboy hats.

Toxic Workplace Alleged

Perhaps the broadest finding concerned the workplace environment under Chavez-DeRemer and members of her senior team.

Witnesses described threatening, demeaning and abusive communication, as well as frequent threats of termination. Investigators also heard that employee performance issues were openly discussed in front of colleagues, including whether employees had cried during meetings.

The report also raised concerns about staffing decisions and inappropriate comments by senior officials.

The OIG's findings indicate that the problems extended beyond individual incidents and contributed to a broader breakdown in professional standards within the department.

What Happens Next

Chavez-DeRemer has rejected the allegations through her attorney, who argued that the investigation was untimely and that the report did not establish that she broke any laws.

The Labor Department said it respected the integrity of the Inspector General’s investigation and directed questions about the findings to the OIG.

The watchdog report does not accuse Chavez-DeRemer of criminal wrongdoing. Instead, it documents multiple violations of department policies and standards during her time as Labor secretary.

The findings are likely to fuel further scrutiny of Trump's Cabinet management and the conduct of senior officials appointed during his administration.

Chavez-DeRemer’s brief tenure at the Labor Department has now ended with an official watchdog report detailing significant ethical and workplace concerns, while the administration has moved forward under new leadership at the department.