The former Oregon congresswoman, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, announced her departure on Monday. Her exit as Labor Secretary follows the removals of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi, marking a notable pattern at the highest levels of government. LGBTQ+ advocates quickly noted this development. Human Rights Campaign’s Laurel Powell told The Advocate, “The damage she did to LGBTQ+ Americans by leading the administration’s campaign against workplace inclusion is incalculable. Her tenure at the Labor Department couldn’t end soon enough.”
Earlier this year, the Labor Department faced scrutiny over complaints, including misuse of resources and personal travel during official trips. The New York Times reported that Lori’s husband had been barred from the Department HQ after two staffers accused him of sexual assault. Her chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, and the security aide have all already exited. A few officials were forced out of the department as the inquiry expanded.
However, White House communications director Steven Cheung claims that Chavez-DeRemer is leaving the Administration to take a position in the private sector, adding she “has done a phenomenal job… protecting American workers.”
