U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer has left President Donald Trump’s Cabinet, marking another high-level departure from the administration after a period of mounting controversy. Her exit follows multiple allegations tied to the use of her office, including claims of misconduct involving staff and questions about her behavior while in the role.
The White House said Chavez-DeRemer is leaving government to take a job in the private sector. In a public message, she thanked President Trump and said she was proud of the administration’s efforts to support workers, strengthen labor policy and expand job skills. Her replacement, at least for now, will be Deputy Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling, who is set to serve in an acting capacity.
Her resignation comes after weeks of intensifying reports about internal investigations and complaints linked to her leadership. According to the material reviewed by investigators, concerns included alleged inappropriate relationships, the use of staff for personal matters and other claims involving members of her inner circle and family. Chavez-DeRemer has denied wrongdoing and argued that the accusations were politically motivated.
Chavez-DeRemer had entered the Cabinet with a distinct political profile. A former Republican lawmaker from Oregon, she drew attention for receiving support from some unions, an unusual position for a GOP nominee for labor secretary. During her time in office, she also played a role in advancing parts of the administration’s deregulatory agenda, including proposed changes to workplace and labor rules.
Her departure adds to a growing list of Cabinet changes and opens a new chapter for the Labor Department at a time when labor policy, worker protections and regulatory oversight remain central political issues in Washington.
