Labor Sec. Chavez-DeRemer Resigns Over Misconduct Allegations

US Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned Monday amid an internal misconduct investigation, becoming the third cabinet official to leave the Trump administration this year.

The resignation follows a months-long probe by the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General into allegations involving workplace misconduct, misuse of taxpayer-funded travel, and the creation of a hostile work environment. The inquiry also led to the departures of four other department staffers in recent weeks.

Deputy Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling will take over as acting labor secretary. The White House said Chavez-DeRemer would be leaving the administration to take a job in the private sector.

In a statement, Chavez-DeRemer said she was proud of her work in office and called it “an honor and a privilege” to serve in the administration. Her attorney said she disputes the allegations but believes stepping aside is in the country’s best interest.

The allegations first surfaced in a whistleblower complaint filed in January. According to the complaint, Chavez-DeRemer was accused of drinking in the office during work hours, creating a hostile environment with senior aides, and using official trips for personal travel. Investigators later broadened the probe, examining claims that aides were directed to conceal items on her schedule and that government resources were used improperly.

The investigation also examined the conduct of several close aides and members of her security detail. Her chief of staff and deputy resigned in early March, followed by a bodyguard and another aide later that month.

The White House had publicly backed Chavez-DeRemer during much of the investigation, but her departure comes as the administration faces continuing fallout from a series of cabinet-level scandals.