Federal investigators found that former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer misused department funds for personal travel and allowed a toxic workplace culture to develop during her tenure. The findings come from an inspector general report released Thursday, detailing multiple instances of misconduct and mismanagement.
The report said Chavez-DeRemer charged taxpayers for trips that were primarily personal in nature, including visits tied to family events and political activities. Investigators documented at least a dozen such instances, with costs exceeding $150,000 in total.
Agency staff described an environment marked by fear and retaliation, according to the report. Employees said they faced verbal abuse, arbitrary discipline, and threats when they raised concerns about spending or workplace behavior.
The inspector general’s office also found that senior aides enabled the dysfunction, failing to intervene despite repeated complaints. Some officials reportedly instructed staff to conceal travel details from oversight channels.
Chavez-DeRemer, who led the department for 18 months before resigning earlier this year, denied wrongdoing in a response included in the report. She argued that her travel was official and that workplace complaints were exaggerated by disgruntled employees.
The report referred findings to the Justice Department for potential review, though no charges have been filed. It also recommended new rules for travel approvals and stricter anti-harassment training across the agency.
Lawmakers from both parties called for further hearings, citing concerns about accountability at the highest levels of government. The Labor Department said it has already begun implementing corrective measures based on the report’s recommendations.
