Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer Resigns Amid Misconduct Investigation
On April 20, 2026, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned from the Trump Cabinet, becoming the third cabinet member to depart during Trump's second term. She stepped down amid an active Labor Department Inspector General investigation into allegations of misconduct. The IG was investigating claims that Chavez-DeRemer was having a sexual relationship with a member of her security detail, using staff for personal errands including liquor pickups, and exploiting official travel for personal purposes. Her husband had also been separately banned from Labor Department headquarters amid sexual assault allegations, though that criminal investigation was later closed. Chavez-DeRemer, a former Oregon congresswoman who had been seen as a bridge between Trump's base and organized labor, denied the allegations and blamed "high-ranked deep-state actors" for coordinating with media to undermine her. Deputy Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling was named acting secretary. Democrats called her departure a disgrace and pressed the IG to publicly release its findings.
“Now that the investigation is complete, we need answers. Members and staff were not briefed on the findings. That is unacceptable and disregards Congress's constitutional oversight role.”