Washington — Lori Chavez-DeRemer is stepping down as labor secretary amid a reported monthslong investigation into allegations of professional misconduct.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung announced Chavez-DeRemer’s resignation April 20 on X, stating that she’s “leaving the administration to take a position in the private sector.” He added that Deputy Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling will take over as acting leader of the Department of Labor.
Chavez-DeRemer, a former member of Congress from Oregon, was sworn in as labor secretary in March 2025. In January, the New York Post reported the DOL Office of Inspector General was investigating the secretary and her staff for a string of allegations that included:
- Using taxpayer money for personal travel.
- An “inappropriate” relationship with a member of her security staff.
- Drinking during the workday.
Her chief of staff, Jihun Han, and her deputy chief of staff, Rebecca Wright, were placed on administrative leave and later resigned in March. The security staff member also resigned, and another staff member was reportedly fired after meeting with DOL OIG investigators.
Sonderling as acting secretary
Sonderling could take over the role permanently – if nominated by Trump and confirmed by the Senate. He also could serve indefinitely as acting labor secretary via a loophole in the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998.
The loophole was used by President Joe Biden’s administration after Julie Su took over for Marty Walsh in February 2023. Su served for nearly two years in an acting capacity.
The Vacancies Reform Act states that a deputy labor secretary can serve as acting secretary in case “of death, resignation or removal from office … until a successor is appointed.”
Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) tried to close the loophole with a bill introduced in July 2023, known as the Department of Labor Succession Act. The House Education and Workforce Committee approved the legislation in October 2023, but the full House didn’t vote on it before the 118th Congress concluded in January 2025.
