U.S. Labor Secretary Steps Down Amid Misconduct Allegations

U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer will step down from her position amid allegations of misconduct against her and members of her staff.

White House communications director Steven Cheung confirmed the resignation in a post Monday afternoon, April 20, on social media platform X.

“Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer will be leaving the administration to take a position in the private sector,” he wrote. “She has done a phenomenal job in her role by protecting American workers, enacting fair labor practices and helping Americans gain additional skills to improve their lives.”

Cheung stated U.S. Deputy of Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling will take on the role of acting secretary of labor. The Senate will need to confirm a permanent replacement.

Chavez-DeRemer has been under fire since January, when Department of Labor Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito opened an investigation into allegations she was involved in an extramarital affair with a member of her security team and drank on the job. It also was alleged that some of her top aides created official department events to facilitate her personal travel plans.

Chavez-DeRemer was confirmed by the Senate as the 30th Secretary of Labor on March 10, 2025, after being nominated by President Donald Trump and being approved by a 67-32 vote. She was sworn in on March 11, 2025.

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