Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigns as Labor secretary amid misconduct probe and joins private sector

Lori Chavez-DeRemer has stepped down as US Labor secretary and will move to a role in the private sector, the White House confirmed.

White House communications director Steven Cheung said in a statement, according to CNN: “Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer will be leaving the Administration to take a position in the private sector.”

“She has done a phenomenal job in her role by protecting American workers, enacting fair labor practices, and helping Americans gain additional skills to improve their lives,” the statement added.

Keith Sonderling will serve as acting secretary, Cheung added.

Chavez-DeRemer said it had “been an honor and a privilege to serve in this historic Administration and work for the greatest President of my lifetime.”

“I am proud that we made significant progress in advancing President Trump’s mission to bridge the gap between business and labor and always put the American worker first.”

Her departure comes amid an internal investigation into alleged misconduct within the Department of Labor.

According to CNN, the probe includes claims about inappropriate behaviour and misuse of official travel, which her lawyer dismissed as “biased and absurd allegations against her.”

Chavez-DeRemer, who took office in March 2025, oversaw major workforce reductions and deregulation efforts.

Her exit marks the latest high-level departure from the Trump administration in recent weeks.