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Labor Watchdog Scrutinizes Text Messages Linked to Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer

The inspector general is reviewing staff and family texts as part of a widening misconduct probe.

Overview

  • A New York Times report Wednesday outlined exchanges now under review, including a request for rosé to be brought to the secretary’s hotel room during an official trip to Myrtle Beach last July.
  • Texts show her husband and her father messaging young staffers with personal notes and invitations, and the secretary told employees to pay attention to such outreach, according to the reports.
  • Earlier this year the Metropolitan Police investigated a staffer’s sexual assault allegation against her husband, who was then barred from Labor Department headquarters even though no charges were filed.
  • The investigation has coincided with departures of the chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, director of advance and a security-detail member, and at least three employees filed Equal Employment Opportunity complaints alleging a hostile workplace.
  • The Office of Inspector General inquiry is administrative and could lead to internal discipline or referrals, and the secretary and her husband did not respond to the Times.