US Labour Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer is the latest departure from President Donald Trump’s cabinet, making her the third member to leave in the past two months. Her exit follows controversies during Trump’s second term. White House communications chief Steven Cheung announced her move to the private sector on Monday, citing reasons for her departure.
Chavez-DeRemer faced allegations including having an affair with a member of her security detail, taking personal trips disguised as official tours, drinking in her office, and creating chaos in her workplace. Notably, all three cabinet officials who have resigned recently are women, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
During her tenure, Chavez-DeRemer made decisions such as canceling funding for anti-slavery and anti-child labor programs abroad. Her deputy, Keith Sonderling, will serve as the acting labour secretary following her departure. Despite the controversies, Cheung praised her for protecting American workers, implementing fair labor practices, and aiding Americans in acquiring new skills.
Chavez-DeRemer, a former House of Representatives member from Oregon, faced investigations for alleged professional misconduct and her family’s involvement in departmental affairs. Her husband was prohibited from visiting her office due to misconduct allegations by female staffers. The Senate’s Judiciary Committee also launched a probe into the accusations against her.
