Donald Trumps Secretary of Labor leaves the government

Washington – Lori Chavez-DeRemer, American Secretary of Labor, is leaving Donald Trump’s government, the White House announced on Monday, after a series of scandals that marked her 13-month tenure.

“Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer will leave the government to take a position in the private sector,” said White House communications director Steven Cheung.

She took office in March 2025 and becomes the third woman to leave Donald Trump’s government in six weeks, following the forced departures of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Cheung added, “She has done a phenomenal job protecting American workers, implementing fair labor practices, and helping Americans acquire additional skills to improve their lives.”

He specified that Keith Sonderling, the current second-in-command to Secretary Chavez-DeRemer, will assume interim leadership of the department.

In a message released on Monday, Lori Chavez-DeRemer thanked Donald Trump, stating it was an honor to serve in this historic administration and that she will continue to “fight for American workers” in the private sector.

At 58 years old, this former Oregon state representative was known for her pro-union stance upon her appointment, contrary to the many business-oriented figures in Trump’s government.

Her tenure was marked by the dismissal and forced departure of thousands of officials from her department, like many others since Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025.

However, a series of recent scandals prompted her departure from the government.

According to the New York Post, Lori Chavez-DeRemer is under investigation for an “inappropriate” relationship with a subordinate. She is also accused of consuming alcohol in her office during work hours and allegedly committing fraud by turning official trips into leisure vacations with her family and friends.

In January, the White House dismissed these accusations as “baseless” through a spokeswoman.

Lori Chavez-DeRemer has also faced three complaints from department employees accusing her of fostering a toxic work environment, as reported by the New York Times.

In February, the New York newspaper also reported, citing sources familiar with the case and police documents, that Secretary’s husband, Shawn DeRemer, was banned from the department after being accused of sexual assault by at least two employees.