An official investigation into US Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer has uncovered evidence that she took members of her staff to a strip club during a taxpayer-funded work trip, according to a new report.
The Alleged Incident and Official Denial
The alleged event took place on 18 April 2025 during a five-day official visit to her home state of Oregon. According to The New York Post, which first reported the story, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer and her team visited the Angels PDX club outside of Portland. The trip's stated purpose was to meet Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, tour an Intel chip plant, and meet with a local truck manufacturing CEO.
Travel vouchers obtained by the newspaper show the total cost of the Oregon trip to US taxpayers was $2,890.06. This sum included $1,324.21 for transportation, $722 for lodging, $655 for meals, and $188.35 for miscellaneous expenses.
In response to the allegations, the Labor Secretary's attorney, Dr Nick Oberheiden, issued a firm denial. "Secretary Chavez-DeRemer firmly denies any allegations of wrongdoing," he stated. "Her utmost priority remains to advance President Trump’s agenda by continuing her hard and successful work for the betterment of the American people."
Broader Complaint and White House Response
This development follows a formal complaint lodged against Chavez-DeRemer with the Department of Labor's inspector general, Anthony D’Esposito, on 9 January 2026. The wider complaint accuses her of multiple forms of misconduct including:
- Abusing her official powers.
- Keeping a stash of alcohol in her office.
- Conducting an extramarital affair with a subordinate staff member.
- Alleged "travel fraud," by favouring destinations where she had personal or family ties.
The complaint further alleged that her Chief of Staff, Jihun Han, and Deputy Chief of Staff, Rebecca Wright, had knowledge of these issues and were tasked with inventing work trips. Both aides were placed on temporary administrative leave on 12 January 2026, though this action does not imply wrongdoing on their part.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has commented on the probe, stating that President 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."
Personal Denials and Ongoing Scrutiny
The secretary's husband, Dr Shawn DeRemer, has also publicly defended his wife against the allegations of infidelity. "There’s not an ounce of truth to this, and anyone who knows my wife would know that," he told the Post.
The Independent has contacted the Department of Labor for further comment, but a spokesperson previously stated it is department policy not to comment on personnel matters. The inspector general's investigation into all allegations remains ongoing, casting a shadow over the senior Trump administration official as she denies any personal or professional misconduct.
