US Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s husband, Shawn DeRemer, was suspended from the Department of Labor (DOL) headquarters on Thursday (local time) amid allegations of sexual assault, The New York Times reported.
At least two female employees at the department have accused Shawn DeRemer of sexual assault, adding that he touched them inappropriately at the department building on Constitution Avenue.
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One of the incidents occurred on December 18 during morning business hours and was caught on office security cameras, the report said, citing sources. Video footage reviewed by investigators shows DeRemer holding one of the women in what was described as a prolonged embrace.
Earlier this year, the women’s concerns were raised in an internal investigation by the department’s inspector general into alleged misconduct by Chavez-DeRemer and her senior staff. On January 24, the Washington Metropolitan Police Department filed a report on allegations of forced sex that allegedly occurred at the Department of Labor in December.
In the report, citing a spokesperson for the PČR, it was stated that in the last three months, only one notification was filed in connection with the address of the Ministry of Labor, stating that the sexual assault unit is investigating the case further.
After employees gave statements to investigators, DeRemer was barred from the building, according to a restriction issued at the time, which read: “If Mr. DeRemer attempts to enter, he will be asked to leave.”
Who is Shawn DeRemer?
According to the report, Shawn DeRemer is a 57-year-old anesthesiologist in Portland, Ore., who frequently visited his wife’s offices in Washington. He is also president and chief medical officer of Anesthesia Associates Northwest, according to his LinkedIn profile. He holds a bachelor’s degree in pre-medical/pre-medical studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He also holds a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from St George’s University. He was also part of the anesthesiology residency program at the University of Michigan.
Investigation against Chavez-DeRemer
The inspector general is investigating a formal complaint against Chavez-DeRemer, who alleges she had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a subordinate who was a member of her security force. She also faces allegations that she abused her position by taking employees to strip clubs, drinking on the job and charging taxpayers for personal travel. Zpráva uvedla, že její právník všechna obvinění popřel.
She was nominated by US President Donald Trump to be Secretary of Labor in late 2024 and confirmed by the Senate in March 2025. She was previously a Republican congresswoman from Oregon before losing her bid for re-election in 2024.
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During Chavez-DeRemer’s tenure as labor secretary, thousands reportedly left the department, many under circumstances that suggested they were forced to leave. The department also posted messages on social media that used language similar to that associated with white nationalist groups.
The widening scandal at the Labor Department led to several advisers and members of Ms. Chavez-DeRemer’s security team being placed on administrative and investigative leave.
According to another report in The New York Times, two top Chavez-DeRemer aides were placed on administrative leave after the complaints. Two senior aides, Chief of Staff Jihun Han and Deputy Chief of Staff Rebecca Wright, were placed on administrative leave this month after being identified in the original complaint.