The U.S. Department of Labor has opened an internal investigation into Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer following reports that she asked staff members to bring wine to her hotel room and maintain regular communication with her husband and father, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The texts, reviewed by The New York Times, show multiple instances where Chavez-DeRemer directed junior staffers to run personal errands and relay messages to family members. Government ethics experts note that such requests may violate federal regulations prohibiting the use of public office for private gain.
“There are clear guidelines against using staff for personal tasks,” said one former Labor Department official who spoke on condition of anonymity. “This crosses into questionable territory.”
Chavez-DeRemer’s office declined to comment on the specifics of the investigation but stated they are “fully cooperating with all inquiries.” The White House has not publicly addressed the matter.
Analysts suggest the investigation could complicate the administration’s efforts to pass key labor reforms, with congressional Republicans already calling for hearings.