Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer is leaving the Trump administration, confirmed by the White House on Monday. White House communications director Steven Cheung stated that Chavez-DeRemer is transitioning to a position in the private sector. Following the announcement, Chavez-DeRemer expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in the administration. Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling will assume the role of acting secretary.
Chavez-DeRemer’s exit is the latest departure from President Trump’s Cabinet in recent weeks, following the firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi and the replacement of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Reports surfaced alleging an investigation into Chavez-DeRemer’s conduct by the Labor Department’s internal watchdog, although the investigation’s existence has not been confirmed by CBS News or the inspector general’s office.
During her tenure as a Republican congresswoman from Oregon, Chavez-DeRemer cosponsored the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, supported by Democrats and major labor groups. The AFL-CIO praised her record but expressed skepticism about President Trump’s stance on organized labor.
Kristin Brown contributed to this report.
