Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s Annual Review: Endless Scandals and Controversies as American Workers Get Left Behind Arrow

Today marks one year since Lori Chavez-DeRemer was confirmed as Labor Secretary, and her first year has been plagued by several serious misconduct allegations as American workers get left behind.

Chavez-DeRemer is currently under investigation for allegedly misusing taxpayer funds and engaging in "inappropriate" relationships with her security detail. Meanwhile, everyday Americans are struggling to find good-paying jobs, as layoffs mount and job growth slows to the slowest pace since 2003, excluding recessions, and the costs of everyday essentials like groceries and health care soar.

Under Chavez-DeRemer, the Department of Labor (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.

In response, DNC Spokesperson Jaelin O'Halloran released the following statement:

"Lori Chavez-DeRemer has taken a page out of Donald Trump's playbook by using her office for her personal gain while abandoning everyday Americans. While Trump's job market tanks, Chavez-DeRemer has been embroiled in endless scandals and controversy instead of focusing on improving the lives of American workers. Chavez-DeRemer has turned her department into a clown show, while working families struggle to pay their bills and work multiple jobs just to stay afloat."

Under Donald Trump and Chavez-DeRemer, the share of workers who worked multiple jobs reached its highest point since 2000. Nearly 4 in 10 workers say inflation has significantly increased their need for additional income, and 72% say rising costs have made working more than one job necessary to make ends meet.

Meanwhile, Chavez-DeRemer has allegedly used taxpayer money for her personal gain, reportedly using DOL funds to throw herself a birthday party under the guise of a "swearing-in celebration." The DOL's inspector general has also been investigating a complaint against Chavez-DeRemer for allegedly engaging in an inappropriate relationship with her security guard and 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. Investigators reportedly also uncovered "a stash" of various types of alcohol in Chavez-DeRemer's office. 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."

Chavez-DeRemer's husband, Shawn DeRemer, was also reportedly barred from the department, after at least two staffers told officials he had sexually assaulted them.