Washington, D.C. — Lori Chavez-DeRemer has stepped down from her role as Labor Secretary, marking a swift end to her turbulent tenure just over a year after joining President Trump’s Cabinet. The former Oregon congresswoman’s resignation comes in the face of escalating controversy and an impending congressional hearing where she was expected to face intense scrutiny.
Chavez-DeRemer, who previously represented Oregon’s 5th District, vacated her position shortly before a hearing set to address growing allegations against her. Her departure makes her the third Cabinet member to exit during Trump’s second term and the latest woman to leave a top-level administration role.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung confirmed the resignation, stating that Chavez-DeRemer plans to transition to the private sector. He praised her contributions to protecting American workers and announced that Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling would take over as acting labor secretary.
The incoming allegations against Chavez-DeRemer included claims of personal misconduct and issues surrounding her conduct in office. She has faced a series of serious accusations, including engaging in an extramarital affair, fostering a hostile workplace environment, and improper conduct regarding official travel by her aides.
Chavez-DeRemer’s attorney, Nick Oberheiden, insisted her departure stemmed from personal reasons rather than legal concerns. In her farewell message, she expressed gratitude to Trump and reiterated her pride in her service, but immediately pivoted to call the allegations against her the result of coordinated efforts by entrenched interests within government and media.
The controversy erupted earlier this year when a whistleblower complaint outlined troubling behaviors, including consuming alcohol during work hours and allegations of inappropriate relationships. Two senior aides are alleged to have misused travel funds by planning trips to events aligned with Chavez-DeRemer’s personal interests.
Amidst this chaos, her husband, Shawn DeRemer, has faced serious accusations of sexual assault from multiple women who worked in the Labor Department. Investigations by federal authorities and local police resulted in the decision not to pursue charges, with the U.S. Attorney noting insufficient evidence.
Chavez-DeRemer was confirmed as Labor Secretary in March 2025, becoming the first individual from Oregon to hold the position since the late 1970s. At the time of her resignation, she was 58 years old and had been conducting outreach through a nationwide listening tour aimed at addressing workplace issues across the country.
As Trump’s administration seeks a new permanent Labor Secretary, Sonderling’s extensive experience in labor policy is seen as a potential asset. However, securing confirmation presents its own challenges, especially with the upcoming midterm elections on the horizon.
Reactions to Chavez-DeRemer’s tenure have been mixed, with some praising her resignation as wise, while others, including congressional Democrats, have criticized her leadership. As the administration grapples with the implications of her departure, the focus now shifts to the future of the Department of Labor and the path ahead in the aftermath of this scandal.