Ex-Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer Accused of Workplace Misconduct in New Report
An investigation report has highlighted several workplace misconduct allegations against Lori Chavez-DeRemer, the former Labor Secretary under President Trump. The inquiry, conducted by the Labor Department’s Office of Inspector General (OIG), outlines a series of policy violations during her tenure.
Chavez-DeRemer, who left her position in April, reportedly breached workplace harassment policies, as per the OIG report released on Thursday. The investigation was initiated after an anonymous complaint was made, alleging Chavez-DeRemer created a hostile work environment and engaged in improper conduct, including an inappropriate relationship with a security detail member.
The investigation, which involved interviews with 53 employees, found evidence supporting the claims, although Chavez-DeRemer was not personally interviewed due to her resignation. Her lawyer, Nick Oberheiden, stated that the report did not accuse her of breaking any laws. “While some — with or without their own agenda — may not have liked the way she managed the Department, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer looks back with the same pride of having served President Trump’s Administration and the American workers,” Oberheiden remarked.
Harassment Ignored
The report reveals that Chavez-DeRemer was aware of harassing behavior within her department but did not act to curb it. Employees reported a “toxic, humiliating and intimidating” atmosphere, exacerbated by derogatory comments from her chief of staff and deputy chief of staff. The report concludes that Chavez-DeRemer did not adhere to departmental policies, though it stops short of alleging legal violations.
Pressure to Comply
Chavez-DeRemer is also accused of pressuring employees into inappropriate actions. The investigation scrutinized her relationship with a security team member, using hotel and surveillance records. While no romantic relationship was confirmed, the report describes an “inappropriately close and unprofessional relationship.” Allegations include an incident where Chavez-DeRemer pressured a driver to participate in activities at a strip club, against his wishes.
Personal Favors
Despite the administration’s emphasis on efficiency, the report found Chavez-DeRemer assigned personal errands to staff during work hours. This included using department resources to have staff manage personal tasks at her home. Such actions were deemed a breach of ethical standards.
Misuse of Travel Funds
Chavez-DeRemer’s “America at Work” tour was scrutinized for misappropriating government funds for personal travel. Witnesses testified that official engagements were added to personal trips to justify expenses. An example cited a Las Vegas trip, originally assigned to her deputy, that was reassigned to her after she received complimentary rodeo tickets. This conduct violated travel policies, including not reporting gifts as required.
Following her resignation, Keith Sonderling has been promoted to acting labor secretary.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
