Lori Chavez-DeRemer, American Secretary of Labor, is leaving Donald Trump’s government, announced the White House on Monday, after a series of scandals marked her 13-month tenure. “The Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer is leaving the government to take a position in the private sector,” announced the White House Communications Director, Steven Cheung.
She arrived in her position in March 2025, becoming the third woman to leave Donald Trump’s government in a few weeks, following the forced departures of the Minister of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, and the Minister of Justice, Pam Bondi. “She has done an extraordinary job protecting American workers, implementing fair work practices, and helping Americans acquire additional skills to improve their lives,” added Steven Cheung. He specified that Keith Sonderling, Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s current number two, would serve as interim head of the ministry.
In a message posted on X on Monday, Lori Chavez-DeRemer thanked Donald Trump, stating that she had “the honor and privilege to serve in this historic administration” and asserting that she would continue to “fight for American workers” in the private sector.
Series of Scandals
At 58 years old, this former Oregon legislator was known for her close ties to the unions at the time of her appointment, contrary to the positions of many executives who make up the Republican billionaire’s government. Her tenure was marked by the dismissal and forced departure of thousands of officials from her ministry, following the pattern of many others since Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025.
However, a series of recent scandals led to her departure from the government. According to the New York Post, Lori Chavez-DeRemer is under investigation for an “inappropriate” relationship with a subordinate. She is also accused of consuming alcohol in her office during working hours, as well as fraudulently creating official trips that turned into leisure trips with her family and friends. In January, the White House dismissed these accusations as “baseless” through a spokesperson.
Lori Chavez-DeRemer has also been the subject of three complaints within the ministry, filed by employees accusing her of creating a toxic work environment, according to the New York Times. In February, the New York daily also reported – citing sources close to the case and police documents – that the minister’s husband, Shawn DeRemer, was banned from entering the ministry after being accused of sexual assault by at least two employees.
