Trump labor secretary under investigation over office alcohol 'stash' and fake work trips: Report
WASHINGTON, DC: Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer is under investigation following reports that she visited a s***p club with staff members and kept alcohol in her office, according to a New York Post report.
The inquiry, triggered by an internal complaint, is also examining allegations that she falsified work travel and engaged in an "inappropriate" relationship with a subordinate.
Labor secretary accused of drinking during the workday and faking work trips
A report published on Sunday, January 18, alleges that Chavez-DeRemer kept a "stash" of alcohol in her office and consumed alcohol during the workday.
One of the most serious claims involves an April 18 outing in which she allegedly took staff members to a s***p club called Angels PDX, outside of Portland in Oregon.
“The Post first exposed a bombshell complaint that alleged Chavez-DeRemer, 57, had also committed ‘travel fraud’ by having Han and Wright ‘make up’ official trips, was drinking in her office during the workday and enabled a hostile work environment — with her top aides belittling and bullying staffers,” the report states.
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer allegedly used work trips for personal travel
Investigators are also examining whether the labor secretary improperly used taxpayer-funded work travel for personal purposes.
The complaint says she had her top staff "make up" work trips so she could visit her family or go to places she liked.
According to the complaint, Chavez-DeRemer instructed senior staff to fabricate official travel schedules, "so she had an excuse to visit her family members or travel for pleasure to favored destinations like Nevada.”
Three aides placed on leave following misconduct allegations
As a result of the allegations, three individuals have been placed on administrative leave, including her Chief of Staff Jihun Han, his deputy, Rebecca Wright, and the employee with whom Chavez-DeRemer was reportedly involved.
The Post also reported, “The investigation has also confirmed that rumors the secretary pursued an 'inappropriate' relationship with an underling were discussed internally months ago and dismissed by her chief of staff Jihun Han — who was put on leave Monday along with his deputy Rebecca Wright, three of the sources affirmed.”
The labor secretary's attorney, Dr Nick Oberheiden, denied the allegations in a statement, saying, “Secretary Chavez-DeRemer firmly denies any allegations of wrongdoing. Her utmost priority remains to advance President Trump’s agenda by continuing her hard and successful work for the betterment of the American people.”
While Chavez-DeRemer denies the claims, the White House confirmed that Trump is aware of the investigation.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “He’s 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.”
