Former labor secretary misused funds and drank on the job, report finds
The 40-page report cites harassment, improper travel spending and an undisclosed relationship with a security aide after a monthslong probe.
- On Thursday, a Labor Department internal watchdog report concluded that Former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer repeatedly violated agency policy, including fostering a "toxic, intimidating, and humiliating" environment and maintaining an "inappropriately close and unprofessional" relationship with a security aide.
- Witnesses described the office as "toxic, intimidating, and humiliating," with Chavez-DeRemer allowing senior aides to berate staff in "beatdown" meetings where employees faced threats and mockery. Staff also faced pressure to drink alcohol during office hours, with ridicule for those who declined.
- The report detailed Chavez-DeRemer's misuse of public resources for personal travel and errands, including a strip club visit with her security agent, and noted she accepted unreported gifts including an alligator-hide wallet and rodeo tickets.
- Chavez-DeRemer resigned in April as investigations intensified, while top staffers Jihun Han and Rebecca Wright were subsequently forced out. Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling is now acting chief, having been nominated by President Trump to lead the Labor Department.
- While Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling awaits Senate confirmation, the Labor Department aims to close this chapter following the report's release. Meanwhile, Chavez-DeRemer recently launched a national Republican political action committee focused on electing candidates who support organized labor.
51 Articles
51 Articles
Ex-Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer oversaw 'toxic … and humiliating' work environment: New watchdog report
Former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer oversaw a “toxic, intimidating and humiliating” work environment and engaged in numerous violations of department policy, according to a new report from the department’s Office of Inspector General.
Former labor secretary drank at the office and misused resources, probe finds
Former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer violated department policy by drinking alcohol at the office and telling her staff to perform personal tasks for her, an independent Labor Department investigation found.
Former labor secretary created ‘toxic’ atmosphere, drank at work and misused funds, report says
Former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer violated multiple department policies under her tenure, including by creating a hostile work environment, using government funds for personal travel and having an inappropriate relationship with an employee, according to a department watchdog.
Associated Press News
Internal watchdog report: Former Labor Secretary oversaw hostile work environment, misused funds
A new watchdog report concludes that former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer oversaw a “toxic, intimidating and humiliating” work environment and engaged in numerous violations of department policy.
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