A growing controversy at the Department of Labor has led to the abrupt departure of two senior aides to Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, as investigators examine allegations of misconduct and misuse of taxpayer resources.
According to reports, Chavez-DeRemer’s chief of staff, Jihun Han, and deputy chief of staff, Rebecca Wright, both stepped down this week while an inspector general investigation continues. The probe centers on claims that government funds may have been used to support travel that blended official business with personal trips involving family and friends.
The allegations surfaced in a whistleblower complaint filed earlier this year. In response, Han and Wright were placed on administrative leave in mid-January while the claims were reviewed. Both aides have denied any wrongdoing.
The situation escalated Monday night when the White House reportedly pressured the two officials to resign. According to multiple reports, they were given a 24-hour deadline to step down or face termination from their roles.
The investigation has broadened beyond the travel claims. The whistleblower complaint also raised accusations about Chavez-DeRemer’s conduct, including claims she consumed alcohol while working and maintained what was described as an “inappropriate” relationship with a member of her security detail. The secretary has denied those allegations.
Meanwhile, investigators from the Labor Department’s inspector general’s office have been interviewing numerous staff members as part of the ongoing inquiry. Reports indicate dozens of people have already been questioned.
The probe took another serious turn after two employees alleged they were sexually assaulted by Chavez-DeRemer’s husband, Dr. Shawn DeRemer, during visits to the department’s Washington, D.C., headquarters. According to people familiar with the investigation, the accusations involve incidents where the physician allegedly inappropriately touched female staff members.
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer / Imagn
One alleged encounter reportedly occurred in mid-December and may have been captured by building security cameras. Sources say the footage shows Dr. DeRemer giving a prolonged hug to a woman inside the department.
Following the allegations, Dr. DeRemer—an anesthesiologist based in Oregon—was barred from entering the Labor Department’s headquarters.
His legal team has strongly rejected the accusations. In a statement, his attorney said Dr. DeRemer “categorically, unequivocally, and emphatically” denies all allegations.
As the inspector general’s investigation continues, the resignations of two of the department’s highest-ranking aides highlight the mounting pressure surrounding the controversy. Officials have not indicated when the inquiry will conclude, leaving questions about the scope of the allegations—and their potential consequences—still unresolved.
