Statement from DNC Chair Ken Martin on Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer Resigning in Disgrace Arrow

The White House today announced that Donald Trump's Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer is resigning after a 13-month tenure plagued by endless misconduct allegations as American workers were left behind. Chavez-DeRemer is the third cabinet official to leave Trump's administration in less than two months after Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.

Throughout her tenure at the Department of Labor (DOL), Chavez-DeRemer allegedly misused taxpayer funds and engaged in "inappropriate" relationships with her security guard. Chavez-DeRemer reportedly used DOL funds to throw herself a birthday party under the guise of a "swearing-in celebration." The DOL's inspector general has been investigating a complaint against her for using taxpayer money for her personal travel, including traveling with a staffer to a resort in Las Vegas while the federal government was shut down.

Under Chavez-DeRemer, the DOL worked to rescind regulations designed to ensure workers have safe workplaces, including those that limit workers' exposure to harmful substances and chemicals, as well as protections for workers' wages. Meanwhile, everyday Americans were left struggling to find good-paying jobs: U.S. employers cut more than 60,000 jobs in March, 25% more than the cuts announced in February.

In response, DNC Chair Ken Martin released the following statement:

"Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned in disgrace as the latest cabinet member to leave Donald Trump's circus. The history books will remember her tenure as one plagued by scandals while American workers were left to fend for themselves. Trump's job market is in shambles and everyday Americans are being forced to work multiple jobs just to stay afloat, but instead of improving workers' lives, Chavez-DeRemer used her position for personal gain at the expense of hardworking taxpayers."

Just last week, new reporting revealed that Chavez-DeRemer, her top aides, and family members are under investigation for regularly sending personal messages to young staffers, making requests like bringing wine to their hotel rooms on official trips or asking female staffers to stay in touch with Chavez-DeRemer's husband and father.

In 2025, the department spent hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars on Chavez-DeRemer's travel for more than 50 official trips, at least 10 of which were to locations where she has personal ties. Even on official trips, the complaint alleges that Chavez-DeRemer would speak for 30 minutes to an hour and then "goes out drinking at night."