The U.S. Department of Labor’s internal investigation accuses Lori Chavez-DeRemer of abuse of office, illegal spending, and harassment

An internal investigation by the United States Department of Labor concluded that former Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer abused her position, used public funds for personal purposes and created a toxic workplace. Chavez-DeRemer, dismissed by President Donald Trump on April 20, was the subject of an investigation by the Office of the Inspector General following an internal complaint.

According to findings reported by CNN and The Washington Post, the former official allegedly frequently consumed alcohol during working hours and asked employees to purchase it. She allegedly accepted expensive gifts without declaring them, paid for personal travel with public funds and maintained an inappropriate relationship with a member of the security team.

Investigators identified a “recurring pattern” of private trips presented as official activities. In one case, Chavez-DeRemer allegedly ordered an aide to use a government vehicle to go to her home and hang her laundry, as well as organize her clothes, shoes and bags.

The report described the atmosphere at the agency as “toxic, intimidating and humiliating.” The former secretary’s husband, Shawn DeRemer, was barred from entering the agency’s headquarters following sexual assault allegations, although the criminal investigation against him was dropped. After Chavez-DeRemer’s departure, Keith Sonderling was appointed acting secretary. [slug not provided]