Senate Seeks Clarification from Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer Regarding Allegations of 'Inappropriate' Relationship with Staffer

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has formally requested information from Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer as an internal investigation unfolds concerning her alleged misuse of official travel and an “inappropriate” relationship with a member of her security detail.

In a letter sent Wednesday, Grassley, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, raised concerns about claims that Chavez-DeRemer utilized departmental trips for personal enjoyment, effectively having taxpayers cover the costs. This information was initially reported by Bloomberg.

Grassley’s inquiry also touched on allegations that shortly after her Senate confirmation, Chavez-DeRemer took staff members to an Oregon strip club and engaged in an extramarital affair with one of her bodyguards.

While oversight of the Department of Labor typically falls under the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Grassley has a history of investigating potential misuse of taxpayer funds and personal misconduct beyond the Judiciary Committee's usual scope.

“I have dedicated my career to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse, which includes government employees and senior officials in both Republican and Democratic administrations,” Grassley stated.

Chavez-DeRemer is aware of the inquiry, according to her attorney Nick Oberheiden, who emphasized their full cooperation with the investigation. “We emphasize that no findings have been made—and that a fair, procedurally sound audit will help resolve this matter,” he added.

The investigation has reportedly uncovered further evidence and additional complaints regarding Chavez-DeRemer, her chief of staff Jihun Han, and Han’s deputy, Rebecca Wright. Grassley has also sought information about these complaints.

Among the allegations are reports of the strip club visit and a “stash” of liquor found in the secretary’s office. Additionally, there are claims that Han and Wright attempted to direct grants to support Chavez-DeRemer’s political aspirations, as first reported by the New York Times.

Following the emergence of these allegations, Han and Wright were placed on administrative leave shortly after the internal investigation was reported. The security detail member involved was also sidelined on January 16, according to sources.

The White House has publicly supported Chavez-DeRemer. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump is “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.”

Chavez-DeRemer participated in a public Cabinet meeting with the president and other officials Thursday; however, she was not invited to address the media present.

Grassley has requested a response to his letter by February 11, warning that if the accusations are substantiated, they would represent a significant breach of public trust.

Representatives for both Grassley and the Department of Labor did not immediately respond to requests for comment.