A security officer assigned to U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer has been placed on administrative leave as part of an internal investigation into allegations of abuse of position, according to two sources familiar with the matter.
The officer was suspended on January 16, following a complaint filed earlier this month with the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (OIG). The investigation is ongoing, and no findings have been released.
Allegations under review
According to reporting by Bloomberg Law, the complaint alleges that Secretary Chavez-DeRemer engaged in an inappropriate personal relationship with a member of her security detail. The filing claims the relationship involved repeated private meetings during official travel and at personal residences.
The complaint further alleges that the relationship may have violated federal ethics rules governing supervisor–subordinate conduct and use of government resources. Investigators are reviewing whether any workplace policies were breached.
Chavez-DeRemer has denied all allegations.
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As the inquiry expanded, several senior staff members in the secretary’s office were also placed on leave, according to people briefed on the matter. Those actions were taken as investigators review travel records and internal communications related to the complaint.
The Office of Inspector General is examining multiple instances of official travel cited in the filing, including trips where personal and professional activities may have overlapped. One trip under review involved travel to Las Vegas in October. Officials have not said whether any rules were violated.
Travel and conduct claims examined
The Office of Inspector General is reviewing several instances of official travel cited in the complaint, including trips where personal and professional activities may have overlapped.
One trip referenced in the filing involves October travel to Las Vegas, where Chavez-DeRemer and a staff member were allegedly present at the same hotel during official business. Investigators are examining expense records, approvals, and travel justifications.
No determination has been made regarding whether any travel rules were violated.
Official responses
The White House has rejected the allegations. In a statement provided to media outlets, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said the claims were unsupported and originated from a former employee.
The Department of Labor has also denied wrongdoing. A spokesperson said the allegations are “categorically false” and stated that Secretary Chavez-DeRemer is considering legal options in response.
The department declined to comment further while the investigation is ongoing.
Background and context
Chavez-DeRemer, a former member of Congress from Oregon, was confirmed as Labor Secretary under President Donald Trump. She oversees a department responsible for enforcing federal labor laws, workplace safety standards, and wage protections.
Ethics experts note that allegations involving senior officials and subordinates are typically reviewed carefully due to strict federal standards governing workplace relationships and authority.
