Lori Chavez-DeRemer, the U.S. Secretary of Labor in President Donald Trump’s administration, is under scrutiny after a report alleged she accompanied staff to a strip club during an official work trip to Oregon. An inquiry by the Department of Labor’s inspector general has reportedly uncovered evidence tied to the visit, which Chavez-DeRemer denies.
Here’s what to know about the secretary, the allegations, and where the investigation stands.
Who is Lori Chavez-DeRemer?
Chavez-DeRemer is a Republican politician from Oregon who rose to national prominence before being tapped to lead the U.S. Department of Labor. Known as a pragmatic conservative with crossover appeal, she has emphasized workforce development, apprenticeships, and reshoring manufacturing jobs—priorities closely aligned with Trump’s labor agenda.
Her appointment made her one of the administration’s most visible Cabinet members on worker-focused policy, placing her department at the center of debates over wages, unions, and AI-driven automation.
What are the allegations?
According to a recent report, Chavez-DeRemer was on a five-day official visit to Oregon last spring, which included meetings with Governor Tina Kotek, the CEO of a local truck manufacturer, and a tour of an Intel chip facility. During the trip, members of her team allegedly visited Angels PDX, a strip club outside Portland, on April 18. The report claims the secretary accompanied the staff during that stop.
The visit is now part of a broader probe by the department’s inspector general.
How much did the trip cost taxpayers?
Travel vouchers cited in reporting show the Oregon trip cost $2,890.06, broken down as:
- $1,324.21 for transportation
- $722 for lodging
- $655 for meals
- $188.35 for miscellaneous expenses
The documents do not itemize any expense tied to the club visit itself, but the total cost has fueled criticism amid the investigation.
Does Chavez-DeRemer deny wrongdoing?
Yes. Through her attorney, Dr. Nick Oberheiden, Chavez-DeRemer has flatly denied the allegations.
“Secretary Chavez-DeRemer firmly denies any allegations of wrongdoing,” her lawyer said, adding that her focus remains on on advancing the president’s agenda and delivering results for American workers.
What else is included in the complaint?
The strip club allegation follows a January 9 complaint filed with the Labor Department’s inspector general, reportedly accusing the secretary of:
- Misusing her authority
- Keeping alcohol in her office
- Engaging in an extramarital relationship with a subordinate
The complaint also alleged that senior aides were instructed to create fictitious work trips to facilitate personal travel—claims the secretary disputes.
Three days after the complaint surfaced, her chief of staff and deputy chief of staff were placed on temporary administrative leave, a step officials emphasized does not imply wrongdoing by those aides.
What is the White House saying?
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged the internal investigation and stated that the president is aware of it.
According to Leavitt, Trump “stands by the secretary” and believes she is doing “a tremendous job” leading the Labor Department.
Why this matters
Cabinet-level ethics investigations are rare and politically sensitive—especially when they involve taxpayer-funded travel and staff conduct. The case also lands as labor policy is under heightened scrutiny, with debates over automation, union power, and manufacturing jobs intensifying in an election-year climate.
Whether the allegations lead to disciplinary action or are dismissed, the findings could shape public trust in the department—and influence how future administrations police official travel and conduct.
