A sprawling internal investigation has thrust Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer into the spotlight with allegations of misconduct that could shake the Department of Labor.

The probe, led by the department's inspector general under former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, uncovered an alcohol stash in Chavez-DeRemer’s Washington, D.C., office and evidence of a strip club visit with subordinates during an official trip to Oregon in April 2025. It also examines claims of an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate, misuse of travel funds, and a hostile work environment fostered by top aides.

Two senior staffers, Chief of Staff Jihun Han and Deputy Rebecca Wright, were placed on leave as of Monday, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.

Allegations of Misconduct

The investigation, sparked by a complaint filed last month and first reported on Jan. 9, has already involved over a dozen interviews with government officials and staff, the New York Post reported. Allegations include travel fraud, with claims that Chavez-DeRemer used fabricated official events to justify personal trips, including multiple visits to Las Vegas. Taxpayer-funded travel, such as a five-day Oregon trip costing $2,890.06, ended with a visit to Angels PDX strip club near Portland on April 18, per records and sources.

Critics argue that these revelations paint a troubling picture of leadership at the Department of Labor, raising questions about accountability at the highest levels. If true, the presence of liquor in government offices during work hours and late-night outings on the public dime signals a disregard for the standards expected of a cabinet secretary. It’s a distraction from the department’s mission to support American workers.

The Oregon trip, which included legitimate stops like meeting Gov. Tina Kotek and touring an Intel facility, took a questionable turn with the strip club detour. Taxpayers footing a bill for transportation, lodging, and meals—totaling nearly $3,000—deserve to know if their money was spent on nightlife rather than public service. This isn’t the kind of “listening tour” anyone signed up for.

Then there’s the Las Vegas angle, with schedules showing Chavez-DeRemer visited the Red Rocks Casino Resort and Spa four times last year, twice allegedly with a subordinate tied to affair rumors. Even if one trip was marked personal, coinciding with a government shutdown in late October for a family celebration, the overlap with official travel to Nevada for conferences muddies the waters. Ethics must trump convenience in public office.

Travel Concerns and Staff Dynamics Explored

Travel misuse allegations extend beyond Nevada, with a December trip to Palm Beach, Florida, for an America First Policy Institute event under scrutiny. Despite ethics warnings to self-fund parts of the five-day visit, sources claim Chavez-DeRemer and Wright scheduled a dubious “official” dinner for just themselves. Such maneuvers, if confirmed, erode trust in how public resources are managed.

Staff dynamics add another layer of concern, as Han and Wright are accused of shielding Chavez-DeRemer’s conduct and intimidating junior employees. Sources report Han urged staff to “leave it alone” regarding affair rumors months ago, while Wright allegedly showed disdain for aligning with broader administration goals. This suggests a clique more loyal to personal image than public duty.

Chavez-DeRemer’s attorney, Dr. Nick Oberheiden, has pushed back hard against the claims. “Secretary Chavez-DeRemer firmly denies any allegations of wrongdoing,” Oberheiden stated. But denial alone doesn’t answer why aides were sidelined or why investigators are digging into meet-ups at her D.C. apartment and elsewhere.

White House Stands Firm Amid Scrutiny

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt offered a vote of confidence, stating, “He’s aware of the internal investigation, and he stands by the secretary, and he thinks that she’s doing a tremendous job at the Department of Labor on behalf of American workers.” That’s a strong endorsement, but it risks looking tone-deaf if more evidence surfaces. Leadership must balance loyalty with accountability.

The probe’s breadth, including a focus on a hostile work environment where aides reportedly belittled staff, hints at deeper cultural issues within the department. If top officials like Han and Wright misled the White House about their actions, as alleged, it’s not just a personal failing—it’s a betrayal of the chain of command. Workers deserve better role models.

Chavez-DeRemer’s ambitious goal to visit all 50 states in 2025 for an “America at Work” tour fell short at about 36, partly due to a 43-day government shutdown in October and November. Yet, of her 53 official trips, 10 were to Nevada or places with family ties like Oregon, Arizona, and Michigan. This pattern fuels suspicion that personal interests may have steered her itinerary.

Ethics and Public Trust at Stake

Additional claims of staff running personal errands on government time and scrubbing questionable events from official calendars only deepen the ethical quagmire. If ethics lawyers’ objections were sidestepped, as alleged, it’s a deliberate choice to skirt oversight. That’s not how trust is built with the American public.

While the Department of Labor spokesperson declined to address internal matters, insisting the secretary remains focused on her mission, the silence leaves room for doubt. The inspector general’s refusal to confirm or deny the investigation adds to the fog, but the facts unearthed so far demand answers. Transparency, not deflection, is the path forward.

Ultimately, this saga isn’t just about one official—it’s about whether those entrusted with power respect the boundaries of their roles. Chavez-DeRemer may yet clear her name, but the mounting allegations of office booze, shady travel, and staff intimidation can’t be ignored. American workers, the very people she serves, deserve leadership that prioritizes their needs over personal indulgence.