Sources close to the ongoing investigation within the U.S. Department of Labor have revealed a new scandal involving the son of former U.S. President Joe Biden, which included blatant accusations against Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer (57) for engaging in an “improper relationship” with a subordinate, alongside allegations involving alcohol and a hostile work environment.
The New York Post reported that this news was disclosed by five sources familiar with the progress of the internal investigation. According to the available information, rumors regarding the Secretary seeking an “improper” encounter with one of her subordinates were discussed internally months ago and were reportedly rejected by her Chief of Staff, Jihun Han. Subsequently, Han was placed on mandatory leave on Monday, along with a deputy, Rebecca Wright, according to three sources.
The New York Post had previously revealed a resounding complaint stating that Chavez-DeRemer also committed “travel fraud,” adding that she had Han and Wright “fabricate” official trips, that she drank alcohol in her office during working hours, and permitted a hostile work environment that included the insult and bullying of senior aides and staff.
The complaint has led to at least ten interviews so far with government officials and employees, indicating the widening scope of the investigation.
The interviews pointed to a previously unreported incident regarding news that Chavez-DeRemer took subordinates to a strip club in Oregon in April 2025, according to three sources and records reviewed by the New York Post.
According to official travel schedules, the visit to “Angels PDX” outside Portland on April 18 came at the end of a five-day trip to meet with Democratic Governor Tina Kotek, the CEO of a truck manufacturing company, a tour of an Intel chip center, and an inspection of an “ironworkers project.”
Travel vouchers showed that taxpayers bore a total of $2,890.06 for the Secretary’s trip to Oregon, which included $1,324.21 for transportation, $722 for lodging, $655 for meals, and $188.35 for miscellaneous expenses.
Her attorney, Dr. Nick Oberheiden, said in a statement: “Secretary Chavez-DeRemer strongly denies any accusations of wrongdoing. Her top priority remains advancing President Donald Trump’s agenda by continuing her tireless and successful work for the welfare of the American people.”
It is noted that the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Labor, headed by former Republican Representative from New York Anthony D’Esposito, is seeking to obtain all possible evidence—including video footage—regarding at least five alleged encounters between the Secretary (a married mother of two) and her lover at her Washington apartment and a hotel in Las Vegas.
Sources told the New York Post that the subordinate involved in the alleged “improper” relationship with the Secretary, who did not respond to requests for comment, has since been placed on administrative leave.
A Department of Labor spokesperson said in a statement on Friday: “The Department will not comment on internal or personnel matters. The Secretary remains focused on executing the Department’s mission and supporting American workers.”
The White House referred the New York Post to a statement issued by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday, where she told reporters during the daily briefing: “I have spoken with the President regarding that report concerning the Secretary. He is aware of the internal investigation, he supports the Secretary, and believes she is doing a tremendous job at the Department of Labor on behalf of American workers.”
The accusations against the Secretary and her aides were contained in a complaint filed last month with the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, first published by the New York Post on January 9. The Secretary’s husband, Dr. Shawn DeRemer, previously said of the complaint’s allegations: “There is not a shred of truth to this, and anyone who knows my wife realizes that.” The Office of Inspector General has neither confirmed nor denied the existence of the investigation.
Interviews so far have focused on Han and Wright, who allegedly provided “cover” for the Secretary’s behavior. Neither responded to requests for comment. According to information, the decision to place them on leave was taken partly because they continued to exert improper influence over junior staff even after the investigation began.
Han had already pressured staff to silence questions about Chavez-DeRemer’s alleged relationship a few months ago, explaining that he had given aides directions to “leave it alone.” The Chief of Staff and the deputy have also been accused since the start of the investigation of misleading the White House regarding their behavior and that of the Secretary, with disclosures revealing that Wright publicly showed contempt for President Trump.
According to two sources, Wright told staff last year: “We don’t care how the President looks, and we don’t care what the White House dictates to us. All that matters is that the Secretary looks good.”
Chavez-DeRemer was accused in the complaint of making Han and Wright “fabricate” official trips by finding a conference or event to attend as a pretext to visit family members or travel for pleasure to favorite destinations like Nevada.
Meanwhile, investigators revealed this week the existence of a “stockpile” of champagne and other alcohol in the offices of the two women. Employees disclosed that they were instructed to delete items from the Secretary’s calendar that might not be accepted by ethics lawyers, placing them on her personal schedule instead. The Secretary was also accused of assigning staff personal tasks while they were receiving government salaries.
United News Network – UNN Arabic
An independent media platform providing reliable news and objective analysis, seeking to promote peace and cultural dialogue worldwide, to convey the truth and build bridges of understanding between peoples.
For more news, you can visit our homepage:
