A federal watchdog report alleges that former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer created a “toxic” and hostile work environment during her time in office. The Office of Inspector General says the conduct was “toxic, intimidating and humiliating,” and describes workplace behaviors that included employees experiencing distress during public reprimands.
The report also alleges multiple policy violations. Outlet coverage cites claims that Chavez-DeRemer drank alcohol at work, misused government funds for personal travel, and violated department rules related to travel and alcohol. NBC News and PBS NewsHour both report allegations of an inappropriate relationship involving a member of her security detail, while other outlets focus on the broader workplace atmosphere.
All outlets note Chavez-DeRemer resigned earlier this year, with at least one report specifying she stepped down in April. The stories consistently attribute the allegations to the Labor Department’s Office of Inspector General and describe them as findings in a watchdog investigation, with the specific details varying by outlet in how extensively they describe the workplace examples.
