Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned as Secretary of Labor on April 20, 2026. Her resignation followed multiple scandals and an internal investigation.
Chavez-DeRemer was confirmed in March 2025 with a 67-32 vote. She served in the House representing Oregon’s 5th Congressional District before her Cabinet role.
Keith Sonderling was announced as the acting Secretary of Labor following her resignation. Chavez-DeRemer is the third Trump Cabinet member to leave her post in 2026.
Allegations against her included having an affair with a subordinate and drinking alcohol on the job. Her husband, Shawn DeRemer, faced a ban from Labor Department headquarters after allegations of inappropriate behavior.
Chavez-DeRemer had supported legislation aimed at making it easier for employees to unionize during her time in Congress. The White House viewed her as an effective spokesperson for the president’s economic message.
Steven Cheung stated, “Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer will be leaving the Administration to take a position in the private sector.” He added that she had done a phenomenal job protecting American workers and enacting fair labor practices.
Chavez-DeRemer’s father was a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. This background may have influenced her approach to labor issues.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any future plans for Chavez-DeRemer. Her departure marks a significant shift in the Labor Department’s leadership amid ongoing scrutiny.
