Top DOL Aides Put on Leave During Secretary Misconduct Probe (1)

Two senior aides to Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer are on administrative leave after the Labor Department inspector general launched an investigation into claims that Chavez-DeRemer engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staffer and committed travel fraud, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation.

Chief of staff Jihun Han and deputy chief of staff Rebecca Wright were both put on leave Monday amid the investigation into DeRemer’s conduct, according to the person with knowledge, who also confirmed the existence of the probe.

The IG complaint, first reported by the New York Post, accuses Han and Wright of fabricating work trips for DeRemer so she could spend time with family and friends. She allegedly invited a staffer to her hotel room at least twice, in addition to at least three other encounters at her Washington, D.C. apartment, the NY Post reported.

The investigation threatens DeRemer’s role as a bridge between the Trump administration and organized labor at a time when the MAGA movement is looking to solidify its clout with working-class voters.

In Congress, the Oregon Republican was one of the few in her party to speak favorably of unions. And as a Latina with working-class roots from a suburban swing district, she came to represent the diverse coalition of supporters who vaulted Trump to a second term.

After losing her congressional race in 2024, Chavez-DeRemer entered Trump’s orbit with help from Teamsters President Sean O’Brien, whose union declined to endorse Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.

Upon confirmation, she embarked on a 50-state listening tour, billed as a way to connect with rank-and-file workers. DeRemer said she visited 36 states before the 43-day government shutdown last fall put her efforts on hold. She plans to visit North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa this month to discuss Trump’s proposal to end taxes on tips and overtime.

The NY Post reported that Chavez-DeRemer and the staffer allegedly traveled together to a Las Vegas casino in late October to celebrate her niece’s 40th birthday. It also described allegations about her drinking from a stash of alcohol in her office overlooking the US Capitol, and Han telling other staff to “leave it alone,” when they asked about her conduct.

Labor Inspector General

The White House and Labor Department have denied the allegations. An agency spokeswoman declined to comment further Monday, saying the department doesn’t comment on personnel matters in response to inquiries about Han and Wright.

A spokesperson for the DOL’s Office of Inspector General also declined to comment.

“It is the policy of the DOL OIG to neither confirm nor deny the existence or non-existence of any OIG investigation or complaint beyond what is published on our website,” the spokesperson said in an email.

There are many unknowns about what sparked the investigation, including who filed the complaint and whether the IG’s office has independently substantiated any of the allegations. Complaints can come from agency employees, Congress, and others with knowledge of potential wrongdoing.

There’s lately been increased scrutiny of inspectors general and their independence from the White House. Upon taking office, Trump fired at least 17 IGs, including one at the DOL, in what critics called a politically motivated purge.

The new labor inspector general, Anthony D’Esposito, is a former New York congressman who has gone through his own scandals in recent years. He came under fire during his term for allegedly hiring his fiancée’s daughter and another woman with whom he was having an affair.

D’Esposito has denied any wrongdoing.

He also faced skepticism from both political parties during his confirmation hearings, with senators questioning his ability to remain apolitical in his duties.

D’Esposito was nominated to fill the post formerly held by Larry Turner, who was appointed during Trump’s first administration and served through Biden’s presidency. Trump fired Turner in January.