Labor Department Staffers Placed on Leave as IG Investigates Secretary
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Top aides in the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) have been placed on administrative leave as the agency’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigates allegations of misconduct involving Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, sources familiar with the situation confirmed to NBC News sources. The investigation — which centers on alleged “travel fraud” and an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate — has rapidly stirred controversy in Washington, raising questions about ethics, leadership within the department, and oversight practices under the Trump administration.
Chief of Staff Jihun Han and Deputy Chief of Staff Rebecca Wright are among those temporarily relieved of their duties while the probe continues, even as the Department of Labor and the White House insist the allegations are unfounded.
OIG Investigation Into Alleged Misconduct at Labor Department
The Department of Labor’s inspector general — Anthony D’Esposito, who was appointed earlier this year — is leading the inquiry into a complaint first reported by The New York Post. The complaint alleges that Secretary Chavez-DeRemer engaged in what the document characterizes as “travel fraud,” by having senior aides fabricate official government travel so she could use the trips for personal reasons, including visits to family, friends or non-work related events.
The complaint also alleges that Chavez-DeRemer pursued an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate and even hosted the employee in her hotel room and Washington, D.C., apartment on multiple occasions. The allegations further include unverified claims about alcohol consumption during work hours.
DOL policy restricts comment on internal personnel matters, and both the Labor Department and the White House have publicly denied the claims, describing them as “baseless” and “categorically false.” A White House press briefing last Thursday reaffirmed that President Trump “stands by the secretary” and supports her work on behalf of American workers.
What Led to Staff Leaves and Department Scrutiny
Both Han and Wright were placed on leave this month, along with at least one other staffer, according to sources. The administrative leaves come as the investigation continues and more details about the complaint are reviewed.
The allegations in the complaint, though not yet independently verified by the inspector general’s office, paint a portrait of potentially inappropriate and unethical conduct at the highest levels of the Labor Department — a powerful agency responsible for enforcing workplace laws, protecting employee rights and overseeing programs that touch millions of Americans.
The IG office, which says it is committed to rooting out fraud, waste, abuse and corruption, typically does not publicly confirm or deny investigations beyond what is published on its official site. That protocol makes public insight into the probe limited until more official documentation or findings are released.
The Role of the Inspector General and Political Context
The Department of Labor’s inspector general — a position meant to provide independent oversight of the agency — has historically been a vital watchdog against misconduct in federal departments. In recent years, Inspectors General across government have been at the center of oversight disputes and political controversy, including the firing of multiple IGs across agencies under the Trump administration in 2025, which drew criticism from lawmakers who said the mass removals violated statutory protections.
Anthony D’Esposito, the current IG, assumed his role in early January 2026 and prior to that served as a Republican congressman from New York’s 4th District. He was nominated to the IG post by President Trump and confirmed by the Senate. His political background and recent appointment add a layer of complexity to an investigation involving senior aides who are long-time associates of Chavez-DeRemer.
Department Reaction and White House Support
Department of Labor and White House statements have pushed back against the narrative in the complaint. A department spokesperson reiterated that they will not comment on internal personnel matters, while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Trump supports Chavez-DeRemer’s leadership and believes she has done an “excellent job on behalf of American workers.”
Yet, the unfolding situation has not quieted political chatter in Washington. Although administration allies say the investigation is simply part of normal oversight processes, critics — particularly from across the aisle — have seized on the situation to argue that more transparent leadership and ethics standards are needed within the Labor Department.
Political Fallout and Public Scrutiny
As details of the probe have circulated, political reactions have ranged widely. Some lawmakers have called for transparency and accountability, emphasizing that if the allegations prove true, they could undermine public trust in the department tasked with safeguarding labor rights and federal programs for workers. Others have cautioned against rushed judgment, noting that complaints and allegations are not proof of wrongdoing until formally validated by the inspector general’s review.
Analysts say that the political ramifications could be significant — both within the Labor Department and in broader debates over Cabinet accountability and executive branch ethics. With midterm elections approaching and public attention on federal oversight and government integrity, how this situation unfolds may have ripple effects beyond the DOL itself.
A Look Ahead: Investigation’s Next Steps
The inspector general’s investigation is ongoing, with no public timeline for resolution. If the probe finds credible evidence of misconduct, it could lead to internal discipline, further administrative changes, or even referrals to other federal ethics bodies or law enforcement agencies.
For now, the Labor Department will continue its mission — even as top aides remain on leave and the spotlight intensifies. The public, journalists, and lawmakers alike will be watching closely for updates or an official statement from the inspector general’s office or the Labor Department itself.
